molecule stable?

Question

i have a hard time to understand stable molecule or not
Carbon :some time carbon have 0 formal charge, +1 formal charge, - 1 formal charge ( not stable)

can you explain it to me, and how do you know when they are stable or not by looking at molecule.
thank for all participates.

Answer 1

First of all, you'd want to draw out your structure. For Carbon, there is a rule that it must have 4 bonds to be stable. For Nitrogen, the rule is that it have 3 bonds, plus an unpaired electrons to be stable. For oxygen is 2 bonds, and 2 unpaired electrons. H is 1 bond.

Once you know these simple rules, then you have the backbone knowledge of telling whether a molecule is stable or not. Remember in chemistry, there may be rules, but there will always come a time when there are exceptions to that rule.

Answer 2

Are all bonding requirements met ? Is there a charge separation ? Does it contain unpaired electrons or lone pairs ?