Can chlorine expand its octet when forming chemical compounds?

• A. No, only elements in period 2 can expand their octet.
• B. Yes, but only when it forms ionic compounds.
• C. Yes, chlorine can expand its octet by utilizing d orbitals.
• D. No, chlorine cannot expand its octet because it only has s and p orbitals available.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall the octet rule, which states that atoms tend to form bonds until they are surrounded by eight electrons in their valence shell, achieving a noble gas configuration.
2. Understand that elements in period 2 (such as carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and fluorine) are limited to the s and p orbitals and cannot expand their octet because they lack accessible d orbitals.
3. Recognize that elements in period 3 and beyond (like chlorine, which is in period 3) have available d orbitals in their valence shell, allowing them to accommodate more than eight electrons.
4. Therefore, chlorine can expand its octet by using its empty 3d orbitals to hold extra electrons when forming certain compounds, especially in covalent bonding scenarios.
5. Conclude that the statement 'Yes, chlorine can expand its octet by utilizing d orbitals' is correct, while the other options are incorrect because they either restrict octet expansion to period 2 elements or misunderstand chlorine's orbital availability.