Question

Explain the following with proper reason: Halogens Are Strong Oxidising Agents?

Answer 1

Halogens are strong oxidising agents.

1. Halogens belongs to group 7.
2. They have general valence shell electronic configuration as ${\mathrm{np}}^5$.
3. For example, Chlorine has electronic configuration of $1{\mathrm{s}}^{2}2{\mathrm{s}}^{2}2{\mathrm{p}}^{6}3{\mathrm{s}}^{2}3{\mathrm{p}}^5$, it requires 1 electron to complete it's octet. Due to incomplete octet and high electron gain enthalpy, they (Halogens) have high potential to gain electron, therefore, they act as a strong oxidising agent.

Some examples of halogens are- $\mathrm{F},\mathrm{Cl},\mathrm{Br}$

Due to high electronegativity and electron gain enthalpy, halogens acts as a strong oxidizing agent.