Question

Why do halogens act as oxidising agents?

Answer 1

1. Halogens act as oxidising agents. Their electronic configuration is ns² np⁵. So all the halogens are ready to gain one electron to attain the nearest inert gas configuration.
2. An oxidising agent is one that is ready to gain an electron. So all the halogens act as oxidising agents. Also, halogens are highly electronegative with low dissociation energy and high negative electron gain enthalpies.

Therefore, halogens have a high tendency to gain an electron. Hence, they act as oxidising agents.