Question

A valid Lewis structure of _____ cannot be drawn without violating the octet rule.

• A. $Cl{F}_3$
• B. $PC{l}_3$
• C. $CC{l}_4$
• D. None of these

Answer 1

The correct option is A $Cl{F}_3$

The Lewis structure of $Cl{F}_3$ is:


Valence electrons in $Cl=10$

The Lewis structure of $PC{l}_3$ is:

Valence electrons in $P=8$


The Lewis structure of $CC{l}_4$ is:

Valence electrons in $C=8$

The central atom, chlorine of $Cl{F}_3$ has 10 electrons in its valence shell and forms an expanded octet and hence violates the octet rule. Whereas, all the other three, that is $CC{l}_4$ and $PC{l}_3$ have 8 electrons in its valence shell and thus completes its octet.