Group 4A element number of bonds

[Monkeymaniac]

In EK chemistry manual, it is stated that Group 4A elements can all form four bonds and all the elements except form carbon can for 2 additional bonds with lewis base. How is this possible? 4A elements only have four valence electrons, so shouldn't the max number of possible bonds be four?

Also, why can fluroine form only one bond with other element?

Thanks!

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[BloodySurgeon]

All the elements past the 4A have an extra d orbital to potentially have more bonds. I have a hard time understanding your question about carbon is but fluroine is a halogen with 7 lone electrons leaving 1 more to obey the octet rule. Fluroine has a strong electron affinity for an additional electron but once it achieves in getting an electron from one bond, it is very stable and does not want to form another bond.