Question

How are interhalogen compounds classified?

Answer 1

X and Y are not random variables in the general formula XY_n of interhalogen compounds. Whereas Y is always a smaller halogen atom, X is always a larger one. Depending on the value of n, the halogen atom X may have oxidation levels of +1, +3, +5, or +7, whereas the halogen atom Y’s oxidation state is always −1. Interhalogen compounds can be divided into the following four groups based on the value of n.

1. XY type interhalogen compounds
2. XY₃ type interhalogen compounds
3. XY₅ type interhalogen compounds
4. XY₇ type interhalogen compounds