Question

Question 4 Select ALL central atoms that can form compounds with an expanded octet. o Be

please explain your answer

Answer 1

(4) Generally if any atom contains electrons in the d-orbital or the having the vacant d-orbital then it can form the expanded octet. Sulfur (S) and Phosphorous (P) are the best example which can form the expanded octet. The electronic configuration of the Sulfur (atomic number = 16) is given as below:- [S] = 152 2s 2p 3s 3p4

So, from the above electronic configuration, we have total 6 electrons in the valence shell. So, it can expand up to 6 coordination number due to the 6 electrons in the outer shell. Further Te (atomic number = 52) also contains the 6 electrons in the outer shell due to the same group of the sulfur atom in the periodic table. So, Te also can expand up to 6 coordination number.

The electronic configuration of the Phosphorous (atomic number = 15) is given as below:- [P] = 152 2s 2p 3s 3p3

So, from the above electronic configuration, we have total 5 electrons in the valence shell. So, it can expand up to 5 coordination number due to the 5 electrons in the outer shell. Further As (atomic number = 33) also contains the 5 electrons in the outer shell due to the same group of the phosphorous atom in the periodic table. So, As also can expand up to 5 coordination number. So, the correct options are given as below:- (a) Te (b) S (c) As