[KaijuMan]

Hi, I am currently using LON Capa, and I just CAN NOT figure out this problem? Can anybody help? Thanks!

In which compounds do the central atoms not obey the octet rule? (Enter all correct answers, i.e., B, AC, BCD...) A) H2S B) BH3 C) SiH4 D) OF2 E) XeOF4

I have used 9 of 10 tries . Thanks for anybody who is willing to *delete me*

[enahs]

In each compound, which is the central atom?
How many electrons are on the central atom?

We are here to help, not do your work for you. We like to help though.

[KaijuMan]

In which compounds do the central atoms not obey the octet rule? (Enter all correct answers, i.e., B, AC, BCD...) A) H2S B) BH3 C) SiH4 D) OF2 E) XeOF4

Central atoms for each...

A)S, 16 electrons
B)B, 5 electrons
C)Si, 14 electrons
D)O, 8 electrons
E)XeO(?) (Not sure which is the central atom in this situation)

Thank you!

[Astrokel]

E)XeOF₄ (Not sure which is the central atom in this situation)

Xenon

A)S, 16 electrons

Si, 14 electrons

nope, check again.

[cliverlong]

In which compounds do the central atoms not obey the octet rule? (Enter all correct answers, i.e., B, AC, BCD...) A) H2S B) BH3 C) SiH4 D) OF2 E) XeOF4

Central atoms for each...

A)S, 16 electrons
B)B, 5 electrons
C)Si, 14 electrons
D)O, 8 electrons
E)XeO(?) (Not sure which is the central atom in this situation)

Thank you!

You misunderstand what the "octet rule" is.

A key word in your question is compound.

Basically, the octet “rule” is that atoms in compounds are “trying” to achieve “full outer shells” of electrons. The inverted commas indicate these phrases are significant simplifications.

For simple compounds the “octet rule” has quite wide applicability.

First, can you explain why NaCl satisfies the octet rule?

Can you explain why oxygen in water (H₂O) satisfies the octet rule and why “octet” has to be modified to explain the bonding of hydrogen?

Once you have that you can tackle the question.

Hint: This is a question about bonding and electrons. Where are the bonding electrons in the atoms in the compounds you have listed?


Clive

[7453K]

well Xe or xenon has 8 electrons, it is already an octet, so it doesnt want to have any more electrons. so when you bond anything from group 8 with anything else its an exception to teh octet rule.

[cliverlong]

well Xe or xenon has 8 electrons, it is already an octet, so it doesnt want to have any more electrons. so when you bond anything from group 8 with anything else its an exception to the octet rule.

Seems correct to me.

How about the other compounds in your list?

Clive