Question

What atoms can exceed an octet?

Answer 1

Phosphorus is one of those atoms that can hold support more than an octet in its valence shell.

Explanation:

Remember, some atoms at or past the n=3 shell on the Periodic Table have the ability to hold more than an octet, but never more than 12 electrons, in their valence shells.

Examples include PCl5, SF6, and even XeF4.