Which of the following elements might have an expanded octet in a covalent molecule?
A) No elements have an expanded octet.
B) Atoms in period 2 might have an expanded octet.
C) Atoms in period 3 might have an expanded octet.
D) Any of the atoms in group two might have an expanded octet.
E) Any of the atoms in group three might have an expanded octet.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Atoms in period 3 (or beyond) can have an expanded octet because they have d orbitals that can be used for bonding. Elements in period 2 (and below) do not have d orbitals and cannot form more than four covalent bonds.

Which of the Following Elements Might Have an Expanded Octet