p block atoms

[Jennifer Lathrop 1F]

If I remember correctly it was mentioned that some p-block atoms can have more than an octet. Is there a way to tell if a certain atom can form more than an octet? Or is it something that is easier just to memorize?

[Venya Vaddi 1L]

The elements starting from the third period (P, S, Cl) can hybridize the d orbitals and thus have more than an octet.

[Vicky Lu 1L]

Atoms from n=3 and on, such as P, S, and Cl can have more than 8 valence electrons as they had a d-orbital to put electrons there. They are able to have an expanded octet since there is an empty orbital (d) that is not used. Atoms on row 2 can't have expanded octets.

[Vana Mirzakhani 3I]

From the best of my knowledge, I know that if that element is either in or after row 3, it may have more than an octet. Also, if an element is usually past the atomic number of 20, it may have more than an octet as well. Hope this helps.

[Stevin1H]

I believe it is only the elements on the periodic table with an energy level of 3 or greater that can have more than an octet due to having the space of a d orbital.