In: Chemistry
Which element can accommodate more than eight electrons in its valence shell? Which element can accommodate more than eight electrons in its valence shell? He O C P
Answer : P(phosphorus)
However, some of the third-period elements (Si, P, S, and CI) have been observed to bond to more than four other atoms, and thus need to involve more than the four pairs of electrons available in an s2p6 octet. This is possible because for n=3, the d sublevel exists, and it has five d orbitals. Although the energy of empty 3d- orbitals is ordinarily higher than that of the 4s orbital, that difference is small and the additional d orbitals can accommodate more electrons. Therefore, the d orbitals participate in bonding with other atoms and an expanded octet is produced. Examples of molecules in which a third period central atom contains an expanded octet are the phosphorus pentahalides and sulfur hexafluoride.