Other Octet Rule Violators

In addition to boron and beryllium, there are other elements that can violate the octet rule, but don't always. These are easy to find when you draw the LDS. One of these elements is sulfur. The two examples here show how sulfur sometimes does and sometimes doesn't violate the octet rule:

Although the list of elements that can violate the octet rule in this way (by having more than 8 electrons) is fairly long, you do NOT have to learn it. Molecules that violate the octet rule with too many electrons will take care of themselves. In other words, as you create the LDS, you will find too many electrons and will not be able to fix it.

It is a very definite rule, however, that the violation of the octet rule is ALWAYS on the central atom of the molecule. There are NO exceptions to this rule.

Try these: (The answers are here)

XeF₂
KrF₄
IF₅
SeCl₄

Sometimes, things get even a little weirder...