oxidising agents accept electrons, oxidising ability decreases down the group
halides show increasing reducing power down the group, they donate electrons more easily
F- and Cl- ions are not strong enough to reduce the sulfur in H2SO4, so there is no redox reaction, only an acid-base reaction
Br- and H2SO4
acid-base reaction take place, then Br- reduces sulphuric acid to SO2
the acid reacts as a proton donator in the first reaction, and then an oxidising agent in the second
reduction product= so2
observations ; white fumes (HBr), Orange fumes (Br2) and colourless acidic gas (SO2)
I- ions
the strongest reducing agent, can reduce sulfur from +6 in sulfuric acid, to +4 in SO2, to 0 in Sulfur and -2 in H2S
there are 3 redox steps (H2SO4 to SO2, S, then H2S)
observations; white fumes (HI) , purple fumes and black solid (I2), colourless acidic gas ( SO2) , yellow solid (S) and a gas with a bad smell of eggs (H2S)
Appearances
F2 = very pale yellow gas, highly reactive
Cl2= greenish, reactive gas, poisonous in high concentrations
Br2= a red liquid, gives of orange poisonous fumes
I2= shiny grey solid, gives off purple gas when reacts