Why is sulfur allowed 12 valence electrons? (SO42-)

[ipodtouch]

I understand that 4 of those elecrons are pushed up into the 3D shell.

But how come you cant do with with every element? Why is there even an octet rule if you can just "push electrons up"?

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[Dasypus]

It's an octet rule, not an octet law. You learn it, then you learn that there are lots of exceptions.

Many elements can expand their octets, though now they call it 'hypervalency'.

 

[ipodtouch]

Thanks!

On a related note, why does Fe have 8 valence electrons while Selenium has 6?

 

[ipodtouch]

Is there a rule saying those with electrons in the d orbital, you count both the d and s? But those in the p orbital, you only count the d and s?

 

[gettheleadout]

Thanks!

On a related note, why does Fe have 8 valence electrons while Selenium has 6?

Because transition metals are crazy. 😛

Is there a rule saying those with electrons in the d orbital, you count both the d and s? But those in the p orbital, you only count the d and s?

I don't understand the question at all...