What are the incomplete octets?

World of Chemistry, 3rd edition
3rd Edition
ISBN:9781133109655
Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan L. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan L. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Chapter12: Chemical Bonding
Section12.3: Lewis Structures
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What are the incomplete octets?

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Step 1

Octet rule:

Any atom can gain or loss or share electrons to attains noble gas electronic configuration. Noble gases posses 8 electrons in its outermost which is stable. So every atom tends to attain 8 electrons in its valency state it is said to be octet rule.

For example: CH4

Structure is:

Chemistry homework question answer, step 1, image 1

Here 4 bonds around carbon hence 8 electrons. It is following octet.

Step 2

Incomplete octets:

  • It is one of the limitations of octet rule.
  • For example: Boron trifluoride (BF3)
  • In this molecule ‘B’ atom shows only six electrons and does not complete its octet.
  • That is it is incomplete octet.
  • And this is not explained by octet rule.
  • Representation of molecule is:

Chemistry homework question answer, step 2, image 1

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