Could you please explain this problem for me.
How many of the following elements can form compounds with an expanded octet?
I, O, Cl, Xe
2 Answers
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Xe, Xe has a full octet of electrons. when it is involved in the formation of a compound, it has to expand the room available to bond to another element and accept the ‘extra’ electrons from that element
in ClF3, Cl expands its ‘octet’ to accomodate 2 extra F atoms.
….ºº.ºº
F – Cl – F
…..F
the F atoms fulfill the octet rule but Cl now has 10 electrons
I can expand its octet when forming I3-
I – I – I
.••.••
the 2 end I atoms have full octets while the central I atom has 10 electrons.
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3
