The halogens are located in
Group VIIA of the periodic table, and are a particular class of nonmetals. The
halogen elements are fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, astatine. These reactive non-metals have seven valence
electrons. Halogens range from solid (I2) to liquid (Br2)
to gaseous (F2 and Cl2) at room temperature. The
chemical properties are more uniform. The halogens have very high
electronegativities. Fluorine has the highest electronegativity of
all elements. The halogens are particularly reactive with the alkali
metals and alkaline earths, forming stable ionic crystals.
Summary of Common Properties
·
Very high electronegativities
·
Seven valence electrons (one short of a
stable octet)
·
Highly reactive, especially with alkali
metals and alkaline earths