As a central atom, sulfur can take more than eight electrons in its valence shell. True or False?

Question

turingtest · Answer

I don't see how any atom can have more that 8 electrons in its valence shell, so I say false unless there is some exception I don't know about.

turingtest · Answer

more than*

jfraser · Answer

its true. sulfur can make use of its nearby "d" orbitals and expand its octet to hold as many as 4 extra electrons. The SF6 molecule is a prime example.

turingtest · Answer

I believe you JFraser, that seems interesting.
Do you have a link you could send me to demonstrate this?

jfraser · Answer

shy of sending you to wikipedia, I found these 2 which are far more reputable: http://chemed.chem.wisc.edu/chempaths/GenChem-Textbook/Exceptions-to-the-Octet-Rule-573.html http://www2.chemistry.msu.edu/faculty/reusch/VirtTxtJml/special2.htm