The halogen acts as the oxidising agents.The most common type of reactions are redox reactions.2Li + Cl2 → 2LiClThe most vigorous reactions are between Caesium (low first I.E.) and Fluorine (very small, only needs to gain one electron). The least vigorous reaction is between beryllium and iodine.The salts formed are white ionic salts. All the reactions involve electron transfer so are redox reactions.
Each halogen has seven outer shell electrons. Each halogen atom is reduced, gaining one electron to form a 1- halide ion with the electron configuration of the nearest noble gas.Cl2 + 2e- → 2Cl-The halogen takes electrons from the other species, which is oxidised, so the halogens are oxidising agents.The reactivity of the halogen decreases down the group as the tendency to gain electrons decreases.
Each halogen has seven outer shell electrons. Each halogen atom is reduced, gaining one electron to form a 1- halide ion with the electron configuration of the nearest noble gas.Cl2 + 2e- → 2Cl-The halogen takes electrons from the other species, which is oxidised, so the halogens are oxidising agents.The reactivity of the halogen decreases down the group as the tendency to gain electrons decreases.