was the octet rule disproven?
The octet rule has no theoretical basis. It has been observed to work quite often. But that is all we could say. It cannot be proven. The octet rule works nearly perfectly in organic chemistry,

There are many examples where this rule is not verified. For example the Boron hydrides, the simplest being $B_2H_6$. This compound is commercial, but it does not follow the octet rule. Another example is the familiar molecule of Oxygen $O_2$, which has no double bond as often given in elementary chemistry courses. Other examples : $PCl_5, SF_6$. Another simple example is Nitrogen oxide $NO$. And a lot of compounds made with metals from the transition range.