octet rule for atoms in molecules

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The octet rule for atoms is almost always followed by the elements commonly found in drug-like molecules. The octet rule states that an atom in a molecule will have a combination of 4 bonds and/or lone pairs in order to surround itself with a total of 8 electrons in its valence shell. The number of bonds and lone pairs for each element is very predictable. Carbon has 4 bonds, no lone pair. Nitrogen (and phosphorous) have 3 bonds and 1 lone pair. Oxygen (and sulfur) have 2 bonds and 2 lone pairs. The halogens have 1 bond and 3 lone pairs. Hydrogen, which is too small to have 8 valence electrons, always has just 1 bond, no lone pairs.