We use the same steps to draw Lewis formulas for molecules with expanded octets as we do for standard Lewis formulas. But remember, if we're dealing with expanded octets, skip the step of checking if the central atom has a full octet.

Imagine you're building a LEGO castle. Most LEGO blocks have 8 bumps. But occasionally, there's that special piece with more than 8 bumps! That’s our expanded octet! Just like we don’t force all LEGO pieces to only have 8 bumps, we don’t force the central atom to have just 8 electrons when drawing for expanded octets.

• First glance
  • If we draw the Lewis structure for XeO₃, all atoms seem to have eight electrons.
  • You might think, "Great! All atoms are happy with their 8-electron octets!" But not so fast!
• Plot Twist
  • This structure is a sneaky one! It's actually incorrect.
  • So, XeO₃ is like the plot twist in a movie where things aren’t as they seem. Just when you think you've got the story, the director throws in a curveball.