Halogen forms various compounds, which are binary combinations of halogens among themselves and are called interhalogen compounds.
Interhalogen compounds
The halogens react with each other to form interhalogen compounds.
Cl2 +F2 → 2ClF (473K)
There are four types of interhalogen compounds:
- Diatomic interhalogens (AX)
- Tetratomic interhalogens (AX3)
- Hexatomic interhalogens ( AX5)
- Octatomic interhalogens (AX7)
Properties of Interhalogen Compounds
- Interhalogen compounds are diamagnetic in nature
- The physical properties of these molecules are transitional between their constituents.
- The bond length depends upon the size of the constituent halogens.
- The bonds formed between these compounds are more reactive than diatomic halogen bonds.