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Question
Why are halogens strong oxidising agents?
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Solution 1
The general electronic configuration of halogens is np5, where n = 2-6. Thus, halogens need only one more electron to complete their octet and to attain the stable noble gas configuration. Also, halogens are highly electronegative with low dissociation energies and high negative electron gain enthalpies. Therefore, they have a high tendency to gain an electron. Hence, they act as strong oxidizing agents.
Solution 2
Halogens are strong oxidising agents because:
- They have a strong tendency to gain one electron to achieve a noble gas configuration.
- This is due to their high electronegativity and high negative electron gain enthalpy.
- Halogens readily gain electrons, undergoing reduction, which makes them strong oxidisers.
- The oxidising power decreases from fluorine to iodine due to decreasing standard reduction potential.
- Halogens with lower atomic numbers can displace halide ions of halogens with higher atomic numbers from their salts.
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