Octet rule

[Blake_Katsev_2E]

When the question says follow the octet rule does that mean that the central atom has to have 8 e- or can it have an expanded octet?

[Lauren Trent 2A]

If the question specifies to follow the octet rule you would not use an expanded octet, just 8e-.

[Banik_Housepian_2K]

It cannot have an expanded octet.

[Mirian_Garcia_2G]

If it specifically says to follow the octet rule, aim to have a total of 8 electrons. However, the central atom can have more than 8 in some instances.

[Amanda Salgado 3D]

Also, the central atom can only have an expanded octet if it's phosphorous and anything beyond on the periodic table because they are reaching the d-orbitals. In addition, it is also important to note that carbon always needs a full octet.

[Yesenia Munoz 1G]

The Central Atom can only have an expanded octet after the 14 element. However, it is a case by case basis, meaning that if it says to follow the octet rule, then depending on the elment, it can or can't have an expanded octet.

[shannon_tseng_3L]

even though the element in the question can have more than the octet, the question asks specifically for the octet

[Jasleen Kaur 1J]

The octet rule wants the central atom to have 8 electrons (a full octet).