Hypervalent compounds are very common and in general are no less stable than compounds that conform to the octet rule. |
The stabilities of organometallic compounds follow certain empirical rules, among which the 18-electron rule is the analogue of the octet rule of main-group compounds. |
Lewis' octet rule is again applicable and is seen to represent the extreme means of achieving lower energy rather than being a goal in itself. |
An atom will bond with another in order to satisfy the octet rule. |
It is possible to write Lewis structures that do satisfy the octet rule. |
The octet rule is followed in so many compounds it is a useful guide. |