Which molecule does not exist? — Chemical Bonding Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Step 1: Recall that second-period elements like Oxygen do not have vacant d-orbitals in their valence shell and cannot expand their octet. Step 2: To form OF4, Oxygen would have to form four covalent bonds and retain one lone pair, resulting in 10 electrons in its valence shell. Step 3: Because Oxygen cannot accommodate more than 8 valence electrons, the molecule OF4 cannot exist, corresponding to option (b).