Why are halogens strong oxidising agents?
Answer
The general electronic configuration of halogens is np
5, where n = 2-6. Thus, halogens
need only one more electron to complete their octet and to attain the stable noble gas configuration. Also, halogens are highly electronegative with low dissociation energies
and
high negative electron gain enthalpies. Therefore, they have a high
tendency to gain an electron. Hence, they act as strong oxidizing
agents.
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