Question
Chemistry
Can chlorine have an expanded octet?
Answer
Chemistry
Expert Answer
Yes, chlorine can have an expanded octet because it has empty orbitals available that can accommodate more than eight electrons. As a Period 3 element, chlorine has access to and orbitals, which allows it to form compounds where it is surrounded by more than eight electrons. Common examples include (chlorine trifluoride) where chlorine has 10 electrons around it, and (chlorine pentafluoride) where chlorine has 12 electrons. This ability to expand the octet is only possible for elements in Period 3 and beyond because they have orbitals available in their valence shell.
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