Odd number vs exception

[Marriyum Aftab 2E]

Hi, okay so I am a little confused, so all the molecules with an odd number of electrons are in consideration to the octet rule?

[Jonathan Shalom 3C]

Molecules with an odd number of electrons usually exist for a very short period of time. I wouldn't say they are exceptions, because if another radical bonds to them then they can have an even number of electrons and make an octet. Free radicals have at least one unpaired electron, making them highly reactive. For instance, nitric oxide (NO) has an odd number of valence electrons and cannot form an octet around both nitrogen and oxygen atoms.