Question

Which among the following is the most reactive?

<!--td {border: 1px solid #ccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;}--> JEE MAINS 2015

Answer 1

$ICl$ is an interhalogen compound. It contains two atoms of different electronegativities. Hence, the bond is polar.

The molecules of chlorine bromine and iodine contain atoms of same electronegativity and they contain non polar bonds.

Interhalogen compounds are more reactive than all halogens except F.

Interhalogen compounds are more reactive than all halogens because,

• Interhalogen are all prone to hydrolysis and ionize to give rise to polyatomic ions.
• The bond energy of interhalogen compounds is less than the bond energy of halogens as the overlapping between orbitals of dissimilar atoms is less effective.

Hence, $ICl$ is most reactive.