Question

Why are Halogens good disinfectants?

Answer 1

1. Group 17 elements are called Halogens they are derived from the Greek word “Halo” which means salts and “genes” which means formation.
2. Halogens are present on the right side of the periodic table.
3. They are highly reactive in nature, and when react with metals they form salts.
4. The valence shell of halogen requires one more electron to complete the octet so they form anions and those anions are called halides.
5. Chlorine, Bromine, and Iodine are commonly used as disinfectants.
6. As fluorine is highly reactive so it is difficult to handle.
7. Chlorine and Bromine are used as disinfectants and antiseptics because they have the property to kill the microbes.
8. They are microbiostatic in nature which means they have the ability to prevent the microbes to reoccur.
9. Chlorine reacts with water to form Hypochlorous acid which has the antimicrobial property to purify the materials.
10. Iodine solutions are used in the medical field before surgeries as an antiseptic liquid.