Question

$\mathrm{ICl}$ is more reactive than ${\mathrm{I}}_2$. Justify

Answer 1

Interhalogen Compounds:

• Interhalogen compound is a molecule that contains two or more different halogen atoms and no atoms of elements from any other group.
• Interhalogen compounds have some polarity in their bond due to the electronegativity difference between halogen atoms.

$\mathrm{ICl}$ is more reactive than ${\mathrm{I}}_2$:

• Inter halogen compound $\mathrm{ICl}$ have partial ionic character due to the electronegativity difference between Chlorine and Iodine.
• Whereas iodine ${\mathrm{I}}_2$ forms covalent bonds which are much stronger than the ionic bond.
• Since the lesser the bond strength higher the reactivity and this explains the higher reactivity of $\mathrm{ICl}$ than ${\mathrm{I}}_2$​.