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Why does sulfur have more than 8 electrons in its valence?

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The octet rules says that an atom can only have a maximum of 8 electrons in its valence shell. This applies from non-metals to metalloids to metals. In this case, sulfur can have more than 8 electrons in its valence when it acquires a larger state specifically in an ionic state. For example SO4 2- where the 2- adds to the number of valence electrons
User Michael Khalili
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