In the field of organometallic chemistry, which statement accurately describes the 18-electron rule and its application to the stability of organometallic complexes? A) The 18-electron rule states that organometallic complexes are most stable when the sum of valence electrons from the metal and its ligands equals 18, but this rule is universally applicable to all transition metals. B) According to the 18-electron rule, the stability of organometallic complexes is independent of the electronic configuration of the central metal atom. C) The 18-electron rule suggests that organometallic complexes are most stable when the central metal atom and its ligands collectively possess 18 electrons in their valence shells, resembling inert gas configurations, although exceptions are common with early transition metals. D) This rule implies that any organometallic complex with fewer than 18 valence electrons will be highly reactive and incapable of forming stable compounds.