A/B Octet Table

Previous  Top  Next

If you first studied chemistry in the forties or fifties, for instance, you may remember, or still regularly refer to the periodic table form here called the A/B Octet form.
The A/B short form periodic table is still seen on the walls of many laboratories even though the paper may be yellowed and cracked.

This form, emphasizing the octets of the second and third period may seem confusing to younger chemists who are more familiar with the simpler modern form. Those skilled in using the octet table, however, can quickly envision chemical behavior based on an elements position in the arrangement.
This periodic table is sometimes referred to as a "Hubbard" table in recognition of the publisher of the popular wall chart still seen in many classrooms and labs. (The Hubbard name is a trademark of the Hubbard Company.) Historically, however, the folded A-B Octet table is the portrayal that most closely resembles Mendeleev's original notes.