Discuss the properties of interhalogen compounds.

Explanation

Physical properties : These are all covalent molecules and are diamagnetic in nature.
They are volatile solids or liquids at 298 K except ClF which is a gas.
Their physical properties are intermediate between those of constituent halogens except that their melting point and boiling point are litde higher than expected.
The molecular structures of interhalogen compounds can be explained by VSEPR theory.
(ii) Chemical properties : Interhalogen compounds are more reactive than halogens (except fluorine) because of weak X - X. bonds as compared to halogens.
Interhalogens undergo hydrolysis giving halide ion derived from smaller halogen and a hypohalite (when XX.), halite (when XX.3), halate (when `X X_(5)^(.)`) and perhalate (when `X X_(7)^(.)`) anion derived from larger halogen.
`X X^(.) + H_(2)O to HX^(.) + HOX`
`X X_(3)^(.) + 2H_(2)O to 3HX^(.) + HOXO`
`X X_(5)^(.) + 3H_(2)O to 5HX^(.) + HOXO_(2)`
`X X_(7)^(.) + 4H_(2)O to 4HX^(.) + HOXO_(3)`
`IF_(7) + 6H_(2)O to 7HF + H_(5)IO_(6)` (ortho periodic acid)