Why are halogens reactive?

1 Answer
May 23, 2018

Well, halogens SHOULD be potent oxidants.... Why?

Explanation:

And so ….

#1/2X_2 + e^(-) rarr X^-#

An halogen atom has SEVEN valence electrons...and upon reduction it assumes the stable electronic configuration of a full valence electronic shell. Fluorine, #F_2#, is the most reactive element on the Periodic Table for this reason. Fluorine chemistry is a specialist field of inorganic chemistry by reason of its ferocious reactivity....