Question

Which halogen has the highest boiling point.
a.) f2
b.) cl2
c.)br2
d.) i2

Answer 1

D

Step-by-step explanation:

Recall that boiling points increase with stronger intermolecular forces.

Because halogens are diatomic molecules, they are nonpolar and lack the ability to form hydrogen bonds. Therefore, the only IMF they possess are London dispersion forces.

Recall that London dispersion forces increase with increasing polarizability, which is higher in larger molecules due to the increased number of electrons.

The largest halogen is iodine (I₂). Therefore, it will have the strongest IMF and hence the highest boiling point.