Inter halogen compounds

Inter halogen compounds:

Each halogen combines with other halogens to form a series of compounds called inter halogen compounds. In the given table of inter halogen compounds a given compound A is less electronegative than B.

Table 3.6

Properties of inter halogen compounds:

i.               The central atom will be the larger one

ii.               It can be formed only between two halogen and not more than two halogens.

iii.               Fluorine can’t act as a central metal atom being the smallest one

iv.               Due to high electronegativity with small size fluorine helps the central atom to attain high coordination number

v.               They can undergo the auto ionization.

vi.               They are strong oxidizing agents 

Reaction with alkali:

When heated with the alkalis, larger halogen form oxyhalogens and the smaller forms halide.

Structure of inter halogen compounds:

The structures of different type of interhalogen compunds can be easily explained using VSEPR theory. The details are given below.

Table 3.7