Why does aluminum in the aluminum chloride not have a full octet yet it's a viable molecule?

That's the reason why aluminium chloride (AlCl3) is only stable at high temperature.

At low temperature, two molecules of aluminium chloride will join together to form a dimer (Al2Cl6) so that it can achieve octet. This is possible because chlorine atom from each molecule will donate a pair of electrons to form the dative bonds.

Cl Cl Cl

. \ / \ /

. Al Al

. / \ / \

Cl Cl Cl

( The two dative bonds are between the two Al and the central Cl ( upper and lower each)

If you are past or are in Period 3, the Octet rule no longer applies. For example, XeFe4 has 8 bonds.

it does have a full octet, it gives up those 3 electrons to become stable, learn your chemistry, a metal and a nonmetal forms an ionic compound meaning 1 element gives up those electrons

th3 alu n d alu chloride has a fu11 oc737. u n33d 2 + the 3 b0nds with th3 3l3ctr0ns. duh.