 Custom Search Lewis Dot of Phosphoric Acid H3PO4 P does not follow the octet rule. It will hold more than 8 electrons. Phosphorous having valence electrons in the 3rd energy level, will also have access to the 3d sublevel, thus allowing for more than 8 electrons. It will hybridize to form 4 equal sp3 orbitals and will have a tetrahedral shape around the phosphorous. Elements in the first 2 periods of the Periodic Table do not have access to the d sublevel and must adhere to the octet (or duet H and He) rule.
from http://treefrog.fullerton.edu/chem/LS/H3PO4LS.html |
