Question

Give a brief account of the structures of interhalogen compounds.

Answer 1

Interhalogen compounds of type XY are simple, with two halogen atoms joined together by a single covalent bond. These structures can be represented as X-Y.

Interhalogen compounds of type XY₃ have a T-shaped structure and are produced through sp³d hybridisation of the central atom in its initial excited state. The figure shows the structure of an XF₃ molecule formed through sp³d hybridisation.

Interhalogen compounds of type XY₅ have a square pyramidal structure. They are produced through sp³d²-hybridisation of the central atom in its second excited state. The sole known interhalogen compound of the type XY₇, i.e., IF₇ is generated by sp³d³-hybridisation of the central I atom in its third excited state. The molecule exhibits a pentagonal bipyramidal structure, as illustrated in the image.