Final answer:
The Lewis structure of NCS with minimized formal charges is the one that places carbon in the center, nitrogen on one end with a formal charge of -1, and sulfur on the other end with a formal charge of 0. This arrangement minimizes the formal charges on the thiocyanate ion.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks for the Lewis structure of NCS (thiocyanate ion) with minimized formal charges. When looking at different molecular structures like NCS, CNS, or CSN and their formal charges, the preferred structure is one that satisfies certain guidelines such as having the least number of atoms with nonzero formal charges and placing the least electronegative atom in the center.
The Lewis structure that minimizes formal charges is:
[:N=∰c=∰s:]
Formal charge -1 0 0
According to the guidelines, this arrangement is preferred because it minimizes the formal charges and places the least electronegative atom (carbon) in the center, while the negative charge resides on the more electronegative element (nitrogen).