Which one of the following orders is correct for the bond dissociation enthalpy of halogen molecules?
- Br2 > I2 > F2 > Cl2
- F2 > Cl2 > Br2 > I2
- I2 > Br2 > Cl2 > F2
- Cl2 > Br2 > F2 > I2
Answer
(4) Cl2 > Br2 > F2 > I2
Solution
Bond dissociation enthalpy generally decreases down the group as atomic size increases (Cl2 > Br2 > I2).
As per NCERT, F2 has an anomalously low bond dissociation enthalpy because of the large electron–electron repulsion among the lone pairs of the small F atoms.
∴ Order: Cl2 > Br2 > F2 > I2
Answer: (4)