Octet Rule Exceptions

[Adam Kramer 1A]

Is there an easy way to determine if there is an octet rule exception for a given atom? How can we tell just by looking at the periodic table which atom can have more than 8?

[Sophia Shaka 3L]

Atoms in the first two groups must follow the octet rule. The octet rule really applies to those atoms with atomic numbers below 20, because they want the configuration of a noble gas.

[Fatemah Yacoub 1F]

If the atom is in a n=3 shell or higher and has an empty d orbital (elements in the p block) it will be able to expand its octet.

[005321227]

The octet rule mainly only applies to atoms with less electrons. As the atomic number increases, the atom is more capable of having more than an octet.

[Alexa Mugol 3I]

Elements in n=3 or higher can expand their valence shell because it has open d orbitals. So pretty much, an easy way to tell if there's an octet rule exception is if there are open d orbitals in a given atom. n=2 elements cannot expand their valence shell because n=2 does not have any d orbitals. n=3,4,... have d orbitals so exceptions are okay.