Question

The halogens are generally good leaving groups because they can form stable anions. Are larger halogens better or worse leaving groups than small halogens?

1) Larger halogens are better leaving groups than small halogens
2) Larger halogens are worse leaving groups than small halogens
3) Larger halogens are equally good leaving groups as small halogens
4) Cannot be determined

Answer 1

Larger halogens are better leaving groups because they can stabilize the negative charge better due to their larger size, which decreases electron density. Option 1 is correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question revolves around the leaving group ability of halogens in chemical reactions. When comparing the ability of halogen atoms to leave a molecule, it is found that larger halogens are generally better leaving groups than smaller ones.

The reason for this is that larger halogens can stabilize the negative charge more effectively due to their larger size and the resulting decrease in electron density. Consequently, the basicity of halides follows the order: F- > Cl- > Br- > I-, and so the ability to leave increases in the opposite order, making iodine a better leaving group than fluorine.

The halogens, such as fluorine, chlorine, iodine, and bromine, are good leaving groups because they can form stable anions. Larger halogens are generally better leaving groups than small halogens.

The basicity and leaving propensity of leaving groups follow a trend opposite to the basicity of the leaving group: good leaving groups are weaker bases. Therefore, larger halogens like iodine and bromine are better leaving groups than smaller halogens such as fluorine and chlorine.