Chemical Properties of HALOGEN
1. Oxidizing power: An important feature of the halogen is their oxidizing property which is due to high electron affinity of halogen atoms. The oxidizing power decreases from fluorine to iodine. Fluorine is the strongest oxidizing agent.
It oxidizes other halide ions to halogens in solution or when dry.
F2 + 2 X– → 2F – + X2 (X– = Cl–, Br–, I–)
Halogen of low atomic number oxidizes the halide ion of higher atomic number.
2. Solubility: Halogens, being non-polar molecules, do not dissolve to a considerable extent in a polar solvent like water. However, fluorine reacts with water readily forming a mixture of O2 and O3.
- 2F2 + 2H2O → 4HF + O2
- 3F2 + 3H2O → 6HF + O3
Chlorine, bromine and Iodine are more soluble in organic solvents such as CCl4, CHCl3 and produce yellow, brown and violet colour.
