Super Octet [ENDORSED]

[Rebecca Doan 2L]

I am confused on the concept of a super octet. I thought there could only be up to 8 electrons in the outer shell. So, how is a super octet formed?

[Chem_Mod]

A super or expanded octet occurs in special elements where their valence shells can hold more than 8 electrons. The 2 prominent elements that can do this are P and S. This is because their formal charge is closer to 0 than if they have an octet, which lowers energy and thus tends to form an expanded rather than normal octet.

[Andrea ORiordan 1L]

This happens in periods 3 or higher, especially with p-block elements. This is because they have available d-orbitals that aren't filled with electrons that can be used in bonding. It results in a formal charge closer to 0, which makes the structure lower energy and more stable.