Question

Do you always follow the octet rule when drawing a Lewis structure?

Answer 1

Nope

Explanation:

The octet rule works most of the time, but here are the exceptions:
1. If the central atom is in group 13A - then it is stable with an INCOMPLETE octet (or only 6 electrons).
Example: `BCl_3` - boron (in group 13A) will only have 6 electrons when the Lewis Structure is complete.
2. If the central atom is in PERIOD 3 or HIGHER can have an expanded octet. This means they can be stable with 8, 10 or even 12 electrons.