Halogens react with each other to form a number of compounds called interalogen compounds. Their genral formula is `AX_(n)`, where A is less electronegative halogen while X is a more electronegative halogen and n is its number. The interhalogen compounds are essentially convalent and more reactive than the halogens since the bond A-X is weaker than A-A or X-X bond. The reaction of interhalogens are similar to those of halogens.
Which halogen shows maximum oxidation state in forming interhalogen compound ?

Options

A. `I`
B. `Br`
C. `CI`
D. `F`

Explanation

To determine which halogen shows the maximum oxidation state in forming interhalogen compounds, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Halogen Group
Halogens belong to Group 17 of the periodic table and include fluorine (F), chlorine (Cl), bromine (Br), iodine (I), and astatine (At).

**Hint:** Remember that the halogens are arranged in increasing atomic number, with fluorine being the most electronegative and iodine being the least.

### Step 2: Identify the Oxidation States
Halogens can exhibit various oxidation states. The common oxidation states for halogens range from -1 to +7.

**Hint:** Focus on the highest oxidation states that halogens can achieve, particularly in interhalogen compounds.

### Step 3: Consider the Size of the Halogens
The ability of a halogen to exhibit a higher oxidation state is influenced by its atomic size. Larger atoms can accommodate more bonds due to their ability to expand their valence shell.

**Hint:** Recall that as you move down the group in the periodic table, atomic size increases.

### Step 4: Analyze Each Halogen
- **Fluorine (F)**: Maximum oxidation state is +1.
- **Chlorine (Cl)**: Maximum oxidation state is +7.
- **Bromine (Br)**: Maximum oxidation state is +5.
- **Iodine (I)**: Maximum oxidation state is +7.

**Hint:** Compare the maximum oxidation states of each halogen to identify which one can achieve the highest.

### Step 5: Conclusion
Among the halogens, iodine is the largest in size and can show the maximum oxidation state of +7 in interhalogen compounds such as IF7.

**Final Answer:** The halogen that shows the maximum oxidation state in forming interhalogen compounds is **iodine (I)**.