Define octet rule. Write its significance and limitations.
AnswerThe octet rule or the electronic theory of chemical bonding was developed by Kossel and Lewis. According to this rule, atoms can combine either by transfer of valence electrons from one atom to another or by sharing their valence electrons in order to attain the nearest noble gas configuration by having an octet in their valence shell.
Significance of octet rule:
The octet rule successfully explained the formation of chemical bonds depending upon the nature of the element.Limitations of the octet theory:
The following are the limitations of the octet rule:(a) The rule failed to predict the shape and relative stability of molecules.
(b) It is based upon the inert nature of noble gases. However, some noble gases like xenon and krypton form compounds such as XeF2, KrF 2 etc.
(c) The octet rule cannot be applied to the elements in and beyond the third period of the periodic table. The elements present in these periods have more than eight valence electrons around the central atom. For example: PF5, SF6, etc.
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