Tin with only 6 electrons

[Douglas Nguyen 2J]

"4.19 Predict the shapes and estimate the bond angles of...(d) SnCl2."

In the Lewis dot structure for SnCl2, tin is drawn to only have 6 electrons. Why is it that tin is an exception to the octet rule?

[Sean Reyes 1J]

Using the formal charge equation and with tine having two single bonds and one lone pair, tin would be:
FC = 4 - (2 + (4/2)) = 4 - (2 + 2) = 0.
This means that there is a formal charge of 0, which represents a pretty stable compound.

[005113695]

Since tin isn't in the first period, it can be an exception to the rule.

[annabel 2A]

I thought that completing the octet was more important than minimizing formal charges?

[Margaret Akey]

not when you get lower down on the periodic table!