What the symbol for an element that is a halogen?

1 Answer
Sep 8, 2016

We usually use the #X# symbol for substitution of halogen atoms.

Explanation:

For halogenation of olefins, we would thus write,

#H_2C=CH_2 + X_2 rarr XCH_2-CH_2X#

In general #X=Cl, Br#. Iodine tends to be a little bit expensive. Fluorine chemistry is the preserve of specialists, because #F_2# is extremely and dangerously reactive.