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The octet rule is a very celebrated theory. It states that every element (atoms of them) tries to attain 8 electrons in its outermost shell. This has been observed in nature and dictates the patterns of chemical reactions.
But, forgive us for our ignorance, it has, as far as we know, a fatal flaw. It goes only for the 1st 20 elements. The rest, the transitional elements, do not go by it. Then, isn't the octet rule just as bad as the other failed theories, which failed because they could not encompass everything which concerned them into its domain.
Moreover the transitional elements react too. Its just that they react for a reason other than attaining octets.
Now suppose, we were on the wrong track. Suppose, elemnts reacted for another reason that had eluded us for all this while. What if there was another and more correct reason that encompassed, within its span, every element known to man and those yet to come ?
After all, in Physics, its not just about why's but also about why not's !! Every probability is a possibility unless proved otherwise, like we always say.
THE POSSIBLE CORRECTION FOR IT
Now we have come up with such a probability:
When 2 elements react, they lose energy. For e.g, C + O2 --> CO2 + energy. C and O2 start out with some net energy. BUt when they form CO2, they loose some of that energy.
Therefore CO2 has lesser energy than C + O2.
Now, we all know that every particle likes to exist in as low state of energy as possible. They always try to loose the energy they posses.
So, why not conclude that elements react just to lose those extra pounds ? This could go for all the elements as opposed to the octet rule .
So, how do you explain the octet attaining property found in the first 20 elements ?
Simple, it a means of getting to a lower energy state like ionic, covalent, pi bonding etc.
Why is only found in the first 20 elements only ?
I dont know but we'll try to find out. Also, in the case of noble gases, you know that they are inert. this is because the already have 8 in their outermost shell and the sub-shell rules prevent it from undergoing in chemical reactions.
[ NOTE :
This is just a vague suggestion put forward by us. It is born from our curiosity of knowing and knowing not just why, but also why not.
Please do correct us if we are wrong and we will be very grateful to you.
E-Mail : thinkers.india@gmail.com
The first 20 elements are small and cannot undergo hybridization due to high electron electron repulsion. Hence, the end up following the octet rule as it is at a lower energy state. However, the larger elements can undergo hybridization and for special sub shell and so the can combine differently to reduce their energy state, non octet.
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