Halogen group
Fluoride in toothpaste and chlorine in swimming pools all have one thing in common: salt. In the case of halogen lights, the answer becomes clearer: they all contain one or more of the five chemically related elements in Group 7 of the periodic table: fluorine (F), chlorine (Cl), bromine (Br), and iodine (I) , Astatine (At). The Greek word “halogen” means “salt-forming” in its original sense. Due to their very high solubility in water, Halons can only be found outside of their bodies in the form of ions or compounds.
Properties of Halogen group Elements
At ordinary temperatures and pressures, the halogen group is the only group of elements in the periodic table to include elements in all three recognised states of matter.
- This colourless and odiferous gas is fluorine (F2)
- Gases of chlorine (Cl2) have a colour similar to nitrous oxide
- Toxic Bromine (Br2) is a reddish-orange liquid with a pungent odour
- Instead of a black solid, you will receive a purple vapour when you heat iodine (I2)
- The chemical compound Astatine (At) is an opaque black solid with a crystal structure
- In general, the smell of all halogens is disagreeable
- Halogen-containing elements are especially toxic
- These materials are poor conductors of heat and electricity
- Temperatures are extremely low
- Halogens create negative ions and become very reactive when inhaled
- When it comes to chemical reactions, fluorine is one of the most volatile elements
- These molecules have relatively weak intermolecular interactions
Halogen containing Compounds
Halogens are known for their reactivity. Because of this, they may form halides, interhalogens, and polyhalogenated chemicals when they interact. In the next part, we’ll take a short look at them.
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Hydrogen Halides
When halogens react with hydrogen in the presence of oxygen, binary compounds like these are formed. Hydrohalic acids are formed when hydrogen halides are dissolved in water. These acids pose a serious threat to human health.
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Metallic Halides
In the reaction between halogens and metals, several compounds are produced. These compounds may include highly ionic compounds, monomeric and polymeric covalent compounds, and a variety of other forms of halides. To produce these metallic halide compounds, a basic metal salt reacts/neutralises directly with hydrohalic acid.
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Interhalogen Compounds
Interhalogen compounds are formed when halogen atoms react with one another. Intermediates between the two parent halogens in their physical and behavioural characteristics and behaviours. On the other hand, there may be some differences. Aside from IF7, all interhalogens may be synthesised under certain conditions by combining pure halogens directly.
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Halogenated Substances
Some people refer to them as organic halides. In terms of classification, they may be thought of as organic compounds with halogen atoms. The nucleophilic abstraction technique is often used in a chemical laboratory to synthesise organohalogens.
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Polyhalogenated Compounds
Polyhalogenated compounds have had one or more halogens substituted for another halogen or halogens. Industrially manufactured substances, most of which are harmful to people and build up in their bodies, are what we’re dealing with here. Polyhalogenated chemicals such as PCBs, PBDEs, and PFCs have been found.
Use of Halogens
Water purification, swimming pools, fresh wounds, dishes, and surface sterilisation are just a few of the many uses for bromine and chlorine as disinfectants. Iodine or bromine, two common halogens, are present in minute amounts in the materials that make up halogen lamps.
- Several things contain fluorides, such as toothpaste and vitamin supplements
- While chlorine is just 0.15 percent of a person’s entire body weight, it plays a key role in the body’s overall functioning. In the pharmaceutical industry, chemicals containing chlorine and bromine are used as disinfectants and sterilisers
- It is possible to find trace levels of fluoride anions in a wide range of diverse species. Humans can’t live without it. Another chemical compound is iodine
- Because of their lipophilicity, halogen atoms are more difficult to dissolve in water than other elements. It has been used as a therapeutic component to aid medicine absorption via lipid membranes and tissues. When it comes to halogenated drugs like insulin, they may build up in fat
- Chemicals known as polyhalogenated compounds (PHCs) may be found in a wide variety of produced goods, as well as in pest control
Conclusion
With this ‘compounds of halogens’ study guide, you have learnt that one of the few periodic table groups that include atoms in all three of nature’s fundamental states of matter at room temperature and pressure is the halogen one. Halogens are usually made from minerals or salts. Bromine, iodine, and chlorine, the three middle halogens, are often used as disinfectants. We also saw the various types of halogen compounds like Hydrogen Halides, Metallic Halides, Interhalogen Compounds, Halogenated Substances, Polyhalogenated Compounds, etc.