Question
What are general characteristics of interhalogen compounds?

Answer

The general characteristics of interhalogen compounds are as follows :
  • In $XX \ ’_n, X$ is the halogen which has larger size and is more electropositive, while $X \ ’$ is the halogen having smaller size and is less electropositive, $n$ is the number of atoms of $X’$ attached to $X.$
  • Interhalogen compounds are named as halogen halides. The more electropositive halogen is named as such and the less electropositive halogen is named as the halide. In $ClF,$ since $Cl$ is larger and more electropositive than $F,$ the interhalogen compound is named as Chlorine monofluoride,
  • As the ratio of radii $($radius of $X$ : radius of $X \ ’ )$ between the atoms $X$ and $X \ ’$ increases, the number of halogen atoms $(n)$ per interhalogen compound also increases.
  • The interhalogen compounds have even number of atoms i.e. $2,4,6,8.$ For example, $ClF_3$ has $4$ atoms and $BrF_5$ has $6$ atoms.
  • The number of $X \ ’$ atoms in the interhalogen compounds are always odd.
  • The properties of interhalogen compounds are generally intermediate between those of the halogens from which they are made.
  • The oxidation state of the atom $X$ in $XX \ ’_n,$ is equal to $+1, +3, +5, +7$ and that of $X \ ’$ is $-1.$
  • Since the electronegativity difference between two different halogens is low, the interhalogen compounds are covalent in nature.
  • Interhalogen compounds exist as gases, liquids and solids depending upon their composition. They are volatile and less stable but not explosive.
  • They are diamagnetic in nature.
  • Since the interhalogen bond $(X – X \ ’)$ is weaker than parent halogens, they are more reactive than halogens.
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