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AAT Bioquest

What are the factors that stabilize negative charge in organic chemistry?

Posted May 17, 2024


Answer

There are several factors which stabilize negative charge in organic chemistry. One factor is that high charge densities are inherently unstable. As molecules get increasingly negative, their stability also decreases. Another factor is that electron-withdrawing groups adjacent to a negative charge stabilize it. These groups enhance stability through inductive effects. A third factor is that Increasing s-character in hybridization corresponds to higher electronegativity and greater stability of negative charge. Orbitals with higher s-character are closer to the nucleus and lower in energy, stabilizing the anion. Additionally, greater polarizability of molecules disperses charge, enhancing their stability. For instance, iodide ions are more stable than fluoride ions due to iodine's larger size and higher polarizability. Additionally, more electronegative atoms stabilize negative charge more effectively than less electronegative ones. Lastly, negative charge stabilization occurs when the charge is adjacent to one or more pi (π) bonds, allowing delocalization of the charge through resonance. This dispersal of charge over multiple atoms increases stability.

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