Are there any exceptions to the octet rule?

Answer 1

Yes! In helium, Hydrogen, Lithium, compounds with electron deficiency (commonly cited in compounds containing Boron), Free Radicals such as nitric oxide (not to be confused with laughing gas, nitrous oxide), atoms that undertake hypervalency, and, in transition metals, the 18-electron rule overrides the octet rule. Good night, and good luck.

Answer 2

Yeah, many transition metals don't follow the octet rule. Instead, they fill their D-shells or half-fill them. (5 electrons in D shell)