Elements

Fluorine. Fluorine has an atomic number of 9 and is denoted by the symbol F. Elemental fluorine was first discovered in 1886 by isolating it from hydrofluoric acid. Fluorine exists as a diatomic molecule in its free state (F2) and is the most abundant halogen found in the Earth's crust. Fluorine is the most electronegative element in the periodic table. It appears as a pale yellow gas at room temperature. Fluorine also has a relatively small atomic radius. Its oxidation state is always -1 except in its elemental, diatomic state (in which its oxidation state is zero). Fluorine is extremely reactive and reacts directly with all elements except helium (He), neon (Ne) and argon (Ar). In H2O solution, hydrofluoric acid (HF) is a weak acid. Although fluorine is highly electronegative, its electronegativity does not determine its acidity; HF is a weak acid due to the fact that the fluoride ion is basic (pH>7). In addition, fluorine produces very powerful oxidants. For example, fluorine can react with the noble gas xenon and form the strong oxidizing agent Xenon Difluoride (XeF2).

Chlorine. Chlorine has the atomic number 17 and the chemical symbol Cl. Chlorine was discovered in 1774 by extracting it from hydrochloric acid. In its elemental state, it forms the diatomic molecule Cl2. Chlorine exhibits multiple oxidation states, such as -1, +1, 3, 5, and 7. At room temperature it appears as a light green gas. Since the bond that forms between the two chlorine atoms is weak, the Cl2 molecule is very reactive. Chlorine reacts with metals to produce salts called chlorides. Chloride ions are the most abundant ions that dissolve in the ocean. Chlorine also has two isotopes: 35Cl and 37Cl. Sodium chloride is the most prevalent compound of the chlorides.

Bromine. Bromine has an atomic number of 35 with a symbol of Br. It was first discovered in 1826. In its elemental form, it is the diatomic molecule Br2. At room temperature, bromine is a reddish- brown liquid. Its oxidation states vary from -1, +1, 3, 4 and 5. Bromine is more reactive than iodine, but not as reactive as chlorine. Also, bromine has two isotopes: 79Br and 81Br. Bromine consists of bromide salts, which have been found in the sea. The world production of bromide has increased significantly over the years, due to its access and longer existence. Like all of the other halogens, bromine is an oxidizing agent, and is very toxic.

Iodine . Iodine has the atomic number 53 and symbol I. Iodine has oxidation states -1, +1, 5 and 7. Iodine exists as a diatomic molecule, I2, in its elemental state. At room temperature, it appears as a violet solid. Iodine has one stable isotope: 127I. It was first discovered in 1811 through the use of seaweed and sulfuric acid. Currently, iodide ions can be isolated in seawater. Although iodine is not very soluble in water, the solubility may increase if particular iodides are mixed in the solution. Iodine has many important roles in life, including thyroid hormone production.

Astatine. Astatine is a radioactive element with an atomic number of 85 and symbol At. Its possible oxidation states include: -1, +1, 3, 5 and 7. It is the only halogen that is not a diatomic molecule and it appears as a black, metallic solid at room temperature. Astatine is a very rare element, so there is not much known about this element. In addition, astatine has a very short radioactive half-life, no longer than a couple of hours. It was discovered in 1940 by synthesis. Also, it is thought that astatine is similar to iodine. However, these two elements are assumed to differ by their metallic character.