Question

Explain why interhalogen compounds are more reactive than halogen?

Answer 1

Because the X-X bond present in interhalogens is weaker than the X-X bond present in halogens as the overlapping between orbitals of dissimilar atoms is less effective. interhalogen bonds are weaker than diatomic halogen bonds except for F2. it is due to their differences in electronegativities. A substance like ICl is more reactive than iodine because the electronegativity difference polarise the bond between iodine and chlorine and therefore breaks more easily compared with I2. Halogen fluorides are all very reactive and act as strong fluorinating agents. CIF3 is as strong fluorinating agent as is elemental fluorine. The electric conductivity of solid and liquid interhalogen compounds is considerably higher than that of halogens,