Question

Calculate the formal charge of each atom  in CH₃ and CCl₂ radicals.

Answer 1

For CH₃ free radical :

Formal charge at C atom = 4 - 1 - 1/2 × 6 
= 4 - 1 - 3 = 0 

Formal charge at each H atom = 1 - 0 - 1/2 × 2
= 1 - 1 = 0

For dichlrocarbon radical:

Formal charge at Carbon atom = 4 - 2 - 1/2 × 4
= 4 - 2 - 2 = 0

Formal charge at each Cl atom = 7 - 6 - 1/2 × 2 
= 7 - 6 - 1 = 0