To determine which halogen forms the largest number of interhalogen compounds, we can analyze the properties of halogens and their ability to combine with each other.
### Step-by-Step Solution:
1. **Understanding Interhalogen Compounds**:
Interhalogen compounds are formed between two different halogens. The general formula for these compounds can be represented as \( XY \), \( XY_3 \), \( XY_5 \), and \( XY_7 \), where \( X \) is a more electropositive halogen and \( Y \) is a more electronegative halogen.
2. **Identifying Halogens**:
The halogens in the periodic table include fluorine (F), chlorine (Cl), bromine (Br), iodine (I), and astatine (At). Among these, fluorine is the most electronegative, while iodine is the least electronegative.
3. **Analyzing Electropositivity and Electronegativity**:
For the formation of interhalogen compounds, we need to consider the combination of halogens based on their electronegativity. Fluorine can combine with all other halogens due to its high electronegativity, while chlorine can also combine with other halogens but is less versatile than fluorine.
4. **Counting Possible Combinations**:
- Fluorine (F) can form compounds with all other halogens:
- \( ClF \), \( BrF \), \( IF \), \( AtF \)
- Chlorine (Cl) can form compounds with:
- \( BrCl \), \( ICl \), \( AtCl \)
- Bromine (Br) can form compounds with:
- \( IBr \), \( AtBr \)
- Iodine (I) can only form \( AtI \) with astatine.
5. **Conclusion**:
Since fluorine can form interhalogen compounds with all other halogens, it can create the largest number of interhalogen compounds compared to the other halogens.
Thus, the halogen forming the largest number of interhalogen compounds is **Fluorine (F)**.
