Variation of melting point in group 17

The melting points of the halogens increase going down the group
(Figure 3.23).
150

l2
100

50
Melting point / °C

0
Br2 Group 7 halogens
–50

–100 Cl2

–150

–200
F2
–250

Figure 3.23  Variation in melting point in group 17.

As the relative molecular masses of the X2 halogen molecules increase,

the London forces (page 148) between molecules get stronger. This means
that more energy must be supplied to separate the molecules from each
other.

Reactions of the elements in group 17

All the atoms of the elements in group 17 have seven electrons in their
outer shell and react either by gaining an electron to form X− ions or
by forming covalent compounds. Reactivity decreases down the group,
Chlorine is produced
and fluorine is the most reactive element known, reacting directly with
by the electrolysis
virtually every other element in the periodic table. The variation in
of brine. Worldwide
reactivity of the halogens cannot be as easily explained as for the alkali
annual production is about 60
metals. The very high reactivity of fluorine can be explained in terms of an
million tonnes. Chlorine and its
exceptionally weak F–F bond and the strength of the bonds it forms with
compounds are involved in the
other atoms. The reactivity in terms of the formation of X− ions can be
production of about 90% of the
related to a decrease in electron affinity (energy released when an electron
most important pharmaceuticals.
is added to a neutral atom) going down the group as the electron is added
Its biggest single use is in the
to a shell further away from the nucleus, but this is only part of the story
production of PVC.
and several factors must be considered when explaining the reactivity of
the halogens.
The halogens all react with the alkali metals to form salts. The general
How vigorous the reaction is
equation is:
depends on the particular halogen
2M(s) + X2(g) → 2MX(s) and alkali metal used – the most
The salts formed are all white/colourless, fairly typical ionic compounds. vigorous reaction occurs between
They contain M+ and X− ions. All alkali metal chlorides, bromides and fluorine and caesium, and the least
iodides are soluble in water and form colourless, neutral solutions. vigorous between lithium and
iodine.

3 THE PERIODIC TABLE 99