Question

Why ClF is less reactive than F2?

Answer 1

Hello mate here is the answer ✌️

the electron affinity of fluorine is less than chlorine . still its more reactive than chlorine due to the following reason .

1- the low dissociation energy of f2 molecule , and high hydration energy of f- ion , more than compensate for the low electron affinity fluorine , the oxidising power of fluorine is more than chlorine .

2- the electronegativity of fluorine is more than that of chlorine .

DUE TO THIS ABOVE STATED REASONS , F2 IS MORE REACTIVE THAN CL2 .

Hope it helps

Answer 2

$ClF$ is less reactive than $\[{F_2}\]$ because the bond energy of $ClF$ is more than $\[{F_2}\]$.

Explanation:

• Generally, the interhalogen compounds are more reactive than halogens due to the electronegativity difference between the bonded halogen atoms.
• In the case of $\[{F_2}\]$, interhalogens are less reactive.
• This corresponds to the fact that Fluorine is very small in size and has high electronegativity.
• Due to high electronegativity and small size, the fluorine atoms experience high interelectronic repulsion that results in high reactivity of $\[{F_2}\]$ than interhalogen compounds.
• Thus, the bond energy of $\[{F_2}\]$ is less while the bond energy of $ClF$ is more.
• Hence, $ClF$ is less reactive than $\[{F_2}\]$.