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Which one of the following molecules does not follow the duplet or octet rule?

Correct answer: C. AlCl3

  • A. NH3
  • B. HCl
  • C. AlCl3
  • D. CCl4

Explanation

AlCl3 does not follow the octet rule. Aluminum has 3 valence electrons, so it needs 5 more to have an octet. It forms 3 single bonds with chlorine atoms, giving each chlorine atom 8 electrons but leaving aluminum with only 6 electrons. This is because aluminum is a small atom with high electronegativity, so it does not want to share too many electrons.

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