Which halogen is the strongest oxidant? A study with systematics and surprises

Abstract

Although it is generally accepted that fluorine is the strongest oxidant among the halogens and so among all of the elements, it has not been explained in the literature why this is the case. In this paper, we ask whether this ''common knowledge'' is indeed true; we also explore various means of determining the oxidation strength of the halogens by considering the energetics of binary halides, hypohalites and dihalogens. In addition, we use Latimer diagrams to evaluate the redox chemistry of these compounds. Ultimately, we find that the conventional wisdom holds and that our investigations have provided a clear understanding of why fluorine is, indeed, the strongest oxidant among the halogens.

Selective oxidative devulcanization of hydrosilylation-cured silicone elastomers: enhanced circularity

“…The RTV elastomer can begin to undergo acid-catalyzed depolymerization only once inefficient oxidation of the SiMe groups by Br 2 19 generates HBr. Oxidation followed by HBr-induced depolymerization took 12–48 hours.…”

Fluoride in Human Health and Nutrition

“…In our laboratory classical analytics used for determining the composition of bulk material of synthesised compounds containing fluorine 118,[276][277][278][279][280][281][282][283] was extended to thermochemical investigations, 118,140,141,[280][281][282][284][285][286][287] measurement uncertainty evaluation, 171 determination of fluorine in food 149,183 and environmental samples 7,288,289 and nanomaterials. [290][291][292][293][294] Principles of thermochemistry were used for the estimation of the entropies of formation of fluorine containing aqueous anions 285 and to discuss ions containing solely fluorine atoms 286 and oxidation potential of fluorine.…”

“…[290][291][292][293][294] Principles of thermochemistry were used for the estimation of the entropies of formation of fluorine containing aqueous anions 285 and to discuss ions containing solely fluorine atoms 286 and oxidation potential of fluorine. 287 Possible reactions proceeding during total decomposition of fluorine containing materials by pyrohydrolysis, oxygen bomb combustion and alkaline carbonate fusion were suggested and accompanying thermochemistry discussed. Based on this investigation some of the most resistant fluoride minerals towards the total decomposition were suggested.…”