The general characteristics of interhalogen compounds are as follows :
- In XX'n, X is the halogen which has larger size and is more electropositive, while X' is the halogen having smaller size and is less electropositive, n is the number of atoms of X' attached to X.
- Interhalogen compounds are named as halogen halides. The more electropositive halogen is named as such and the less electropositive halogen is named as the halide. In ClF, since Cl is larger and more electropositive than F, the interhalogen compound is named as Chlorine monofluoride,
- As the ratio of radii (radius of X : radius of X’ ) between the atoms X and X’ increases, the number of halogen atoms (n) per interhalogen compound also increases.
- The interhalogen compounds have even number of atoms i.e. 2,4,6,8.
For example,
ClF3 has 4 atoms and BrF5 has 6 atoms.
- The number of X' atoms in the interhalogen compounds are always odd.
- The properties of interhalogen compounds are generally intermediate between those of the halogens from which they are made.
- The oxidation state of the atom X in XX'n, is equal to +1, +3, +5, +7 and that of X' is -1.
- Since the electronegativity difference between two different halogens is low, the interhalogen compounds are covalent in nature.
- Interhalogen compounds exist as gases, liquids and solids depending upon their composition. They are volatile and less stable but not explosive.
- They are diamagnetic in nature.
- Since the interhalogen bond (X – X’) is weaker than parent halogens, they are more reactive than halogens. x- l so >oui bruin Timor! N
