Chemical bonding: Review Questions

1. Give a rationale for the octet rule and the duet rule for H in terms of orbitals. Give the
steps for drawing a Lewis structure for a molecule or ion. In general, molecules and ions
always follow the octet rule unless it is impossible. The three types of exceptions are
molecules/ions with too few electrons, molecules/ions with an odd number of electrons,
and molecules/ions with too many electrons. Which atoms sometimes have fewer than 8
electrons around them? Give an example. Which atoms sometimes have more than 8
electrons around them? Give some examples. Why are odd-electron species generally
very reactive and uncommon? Give an example of an odd electron molecule.
2. What is meant by a chemical bond? Why do atoms form bonds with each other? Why do
some elements exist as molecules in nature instead of as free atoms.
3. Some plant fertilizer compounds are (NH4)2SO4, Ca3(PO4)2, K2O, P2O5, and KCl. Which
of these compounds contain both ionic and covalent bonds?
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