Expanded Valence Shells

[MaryBanh_2K]

When we do Lewis Dot Diagrams, how do we know which atoms can have expanded valence shells? Also, if they are able to expand their valence shells, how many extra valence electrons are they able to possess?

[Hannah Romano 4D]

Atoms with empty spaces in the d-orbitals can expand their valence shells.

[405335722]

it depends on how many empty d or p orbitals there are to determine how many times it can expand an octet.

I dont think it is only empty d orbitals because sulfur can become an expanded octet and it deosnt have an empty d orbital only a p orbital to "tap into"

[Julia Mazzucato 4D]

If I'm correctly remembering this, any element in period 3 and beyond can have an expanded valence shell. I don't think there is a limit to how expanded the valence shell can be, but generally, most compounds don't really go past 12-ish VE in their Lewis Dot Structure.

[Alex Hitti 3E]

If an atom has an incomplete d and 3(+)p orbital(s) in period 3 and down, they can have an expanded valence shell. In the Lewis dot diagram, the number of electrons do not really go past 12, which fortunately helps for space & convenience's sake.