Among the following halogens , , and . Which can undergo disproportionation reactions?

Question

Among the following halogens , ,  and . Which can undergo disproportionation reactions?

Canvas Classes · Accepted Answer

Disproportionation requires the element to simultaneously increase and decrease its oxidation state. For halogens (X₂, OS = 0), they must be able to form both  (OS = ) and  or higher oxyanions (OS  0).

Step 1 — :
Fluorine is the most electronegative element and has no positive oxidation states. It cannot be oxidised to positive states → cannot disproportionate ✗

Example:  — but this is not disproportionation (F stays at 0 in HOF and goes to -1 in HF, but HOF has O at -1, not F at +1).

Step 2

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