Lewis Structure: AlCl3

[Meas]

I counted the number of valence electrons in AlCl3 as 24 such that the Al is in the center with 3 Cl bonding to it. For some reason, the answer has 3 Cl bonding to the center Al + a lone pair in Al. Wouldn't that exceed the # of valence electron?

Thanks!

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[joonkimdds]

24-6-18=0

 

[loveoforganic]

AlCl3 definitely doesn't have a lone pair - empty p-orbital, Lewis acid..