Question

Explain oxidation state of hologens

Answer 1

• All the elements of the halogen family exhibit -1 oxidation state. However, elements such as chlorine, bromine, and iodine also show +1, +3, +5 and +7 state.
• This higher oxidation state of chlorine, bromine, and iodine is realized when these halogens are in combination with small and highly electronegative atoms of fluorine and oxygen.
• The oxides and oxoacids of chlorine and bromine have +4 and +6 states. There are no valence shells d orbitals in fluorine atom and therefore it cannot expand its octet.
• Fluorine being the most electronegative element exhibits only -1 oxidation state.