Given BH3, O3, CO2, and NH3, which of these compound is an exception to the octet rules? a. BH3
b. O3
c. NH3
d. CO2

a. BH₃

Explanation:

According to the octet rules, atoms reach stability when are surrounded by eight electrons in their valence shell when they combine to form a chemical compound.

From the options, the only compound in which the central atom does not meet the octet rules is BH₃. The central atom is boron (B), which has 3 electrons in its valence shell. When B is combined with hydrogen (H), 3 electrons from the 3 atoms of H are added. The total amount of electrons is 6, fewer than 8 electrons needed to meet the rule.