ABSTRACT
The octet theory has been successful in elucidating certain kinds of atomic and molecular stability, in assuming the general principles to be sound. The octet theory affords ample reason for not expecting the inert gases to combine in the ordinary sense of the term, but since in the case of neon there is undoubtedly a feeble stray field round the atom. It would not be surprising if unstable compounds like ozone could be formed with this element and oxygen which under certain conditions might be sufficiently stable to become a source of contamination. The instability in this case should be due to the weakness of the molecular structure, but it might be quite stable when condensed on surfaces or occluded by metals. According to the octet, theory chlorine could acquire the five electrons of phosphorus and thus complete all the chlorine octets. Similarly, hydrogen atoms could give up their three electrons to phosphorus and thus complete the octet of phosphorus.
