Nitrogen can hold up to 4 bonds. In sodium amide, [NH2]– ion has two N-H covalent bonds. In ammonia, [NH3] molecule has three N-H covalent bonds. In ammonium, [NH4]+ ion has four N-H covalent bonds. Elements that do not follow the octet rule are H, He, B, and Be Solution Nitrogen can hold up to 4 bonds. In sodium amide, [NH2]– ion has two N-H covalent bonds. In ammonia, [NH3] molecule has three N-H covalent bonds. In ammonium, [NH4]+ ion has four N-H covalent bonds. Elements that do not follow the octet rule are H, He, B, and Be.