How do halogens react with each other?

Halogens can react with each other to form a group of compounds known as interhalogen compounds.

Interhalogen compounds are formed when halogens, which are elements in Group 7 of the Periodic Table, react with each other. These reactions typically occur between a halogen and a more reactive halogen. The more reactive halogen displaces the less reactive one from its compounds, resulting in the formation of a new compound.

For instance, if chlorine (a more reactive halogen) is passed over iodine monochloride (a compound of iodine, a less reactive halogen), the chlorine displaces the iodine to form iodine trichloride. The reaction can be represented as follows: Cl2 + ICl → ICl3.

Interhalogen compounds are generally more reactive than the halogens from which they are formed. This is because they are polar molecules, meaning they have a positive end and a negative end. This polarity makes them more likely to participate in chemical reactions.

The physical properties of interhalogen compounds also differ from those of the halogens. They are typically larger, have lower melting and boiling points, and are less volatile than the halogens.

In terms of their structure, interhalogen compounds can be diatomic, triatomic, or tetraatomic, depending on the number of atoms in the compound. The structure of the compound is determined by the types of halogens involved in the reaction and their relative reactivities.

In summary, halogens can react with each other to form a variety of interhalogen compounds, which have different physical and chemical properties to the original halogens. These reactions are driven by the relative reactivities of the halogens involved.