Question

For which structure(s) does the electron-bearing carbon atom have a formal charge of zero

Answer 1

Formal charge can be calculated from the following formula

Formal charge = valency of central atom - (number of lone pair of electrons + number of covalent bonds)

a) for methylene:

Formal charge = 4 -( 2+ 2) = 0

b) For methyl free radical

Formal charge = 4- (3 +1) = 0