Octet Exceptions

[Miguel Velasco 2J]

Are the only elements that adhere to the octet rule those with an energy level of 3 and below? Essentially those without access to the d orbital?

[Lily Sperling 1E]

I believe anything on the periodic table past phosphorus can be an exception. Also important to note that Boron often has less than octet- for example: BF3.

[nathansalce 3e]

As far as I understand, the octet rule only applies to energy levels n=1, n=2. Any element in the n=3 energy or above may have an expanded octet and bond more than 4 times or have a combination of more than 8 electrons.

[Michael Lee 2I]

It's true that the expanded octet applies to those with an energy level of n=3 and higher. I think the most common ones we are going to see will be Phosphorus and Sulfur.

[Alissa Stanley 3G]

Could someone please summarize all the exceptions we need to be aware of for chemical bonds? I know of:
1. S, P, Xe, and the halogens can have an expanded octet
2. Be and B can have less than 8
3. Radicals are unpaired electrons

Is there anything I am missing?

[diangelosoriano]

Should we memorize all of the exceptions for the final?

[aTirumalai-1I]

Could someone please summarize all the exceptions we need to be aware of for chemical bonds? I know of:
1. S, P, Xe, and the halogens can have an expanded octet
2. Be and B can have less than 8
3. Radicals are unpaired electrons

Is there anything I am missing?

Another thing to remember is that Hydrogen doesn't follow the octet rule either.

[Alicia Beebe]

I am also confused because, if these elements disobey the octet rule, aren't there several possible ways to write the structure? how do we know which one would be correct?

[Chem_Mod]

You also have to minimize the number of formal charges