Question

Assign the formal charges to the atoms in the molecules/polyatomic ions shown below and decide which is the primary structure. Please help

Answer 1

To assign formal charges and determine the primary structure, you need to draw the Lewis structure, count valence electrons, assign electrons, and calculate formal charges. The primary structure is the most stable arrangement with the lowest formal charges.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asks to assign formal charges to the atoms in the molecules/polyatomic ions provided and determine the primary structure. To assign formal charges, you need to follow these steps:

1. Draw the Lewis structure of the molecule/ion.
2. Count the number of valence electrons for each atom.
3. Assign electrons to form bonds and lone pairs.
4. Calculate the formal charge.

The primary structure is determined by considering the formal charges and stability of each structure. The structure with the lowest formal charges and the most stable arrangement is the primary structure.