Unusual bridging fluorine discovered in one-of-a-kind interhalogen ion

Source-This post on Unusual bridging fluorine discovered in one-of-a-kind interhalogen ion is based on the article “Unusual bridging fluorine discovered in one-of-a-kind interhalogen ion” published in “Chemistry world” on 9th February 2024.

Why in the News?

Recently, Chemists have successfully synthesized an interhalogen compound featuring a distinctive central fluorine atom surrounded by four BrF5 groups.

What are halogens?

1. Halogens refer to the six nonmetallic elements found in Group 17 (Group VIIa) of the periodic table.

2. The halogen elements are- fluorine (F), chlorine (Cl), bromine (Br), iodine (I), astatine (At), and tennessine (Ts).

3. The term halogen means “salt-producing” because halogens react with metals to create various salts. For example sodium chloride, commonly known as table salt is the most familiar.

4. Properties:
a. Halogens are highly reactive and don’t exist freely in nature. They are the most reactive nonmetals.
b. Fluorine is the most reactive among all the halogens, while iodine is the least reactive.
c. Halogens are the only group on the periodic table where elements exist as solids, liquids, and gases at room temperature. Chlorine and fluorine are gases, bromine is a liquid, and iodine and astatine are solids under normal temperature and pressure.
d. They are strong oxidizers and have very high electronegativities.

About Fluorine

1. Fluorine is obtained from a calcium salt known as calcium fluoride, or fluorspar.

2. It is a highly reactive element.

3. In compounds, fluorine is the most prevalent halogen found in Earth’s crust.

4. It is used in making fluorochemicals, plastics, agrochemicals, lithium-ion batteries, and drugs.

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