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why clf3 does not follow octet rule

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Incomplete octets are expanded octets where the central atom in a Lewis structure has more than eight electrons in its valence shell. In expanded octets, the central atom can have ten electrons, or even twelve. Molecules with expanded octets involve highly electronegative terminal atoms, and a nonmetal central atom found in the third period or below, which those terminal atoms bond to.(Expanded valence shells are observed only for elements in period 3 (i.e. n=3) and beyond)

The 'octet' rule is based upon available ns and np orbitals for valence electrons (2 electrons in the s orbitals, and 6 in the p orbitals). Beginning with the n=3 principle quantum number, the d orbitals become available (l=2). The orbital diagram for the valence shell of phosphorous is:

Hence, the third period elements occasionally exceed the octet rule by using their empty d orbitals to accommodate additional electrons. Size is also an important consideration:

  • The larger the central atom, the larger the number of electrons which can surround it
  • Expanded valence shells occur most often when the central atom is bonded to small electronegative atoms, such as F, Cl and O.

ClF3.jpg

 

 

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Amit Kumar

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