F2 and exothermicity

[siba]

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Hi all! Why does F2 have a very high exothermicity in radical reaction? I was reading the explanation for Destroyer ochem #39 and got stuck on this one... Thank you!

 

[Emporio206]

From what I understand this is bc of its high reactivity, fluorine is the most electronegative element meaning it wants electrons the most, when F2 is dissociated in a radical rxn F- becomes very reactive propagating other free radical rnx

Someone correct me if I am wrong.

 

[siba]

Thanks, but why does F2 have a high EXothermicity as it's the most reactive? And I2 is relative reactive, but why is it endothermic?

Thank you!

 

[Lazerous]

Thanks, but why does F2 have a high EXothermicity as it's the most reactive? And I2 is relative reactive, but why is it endothermic?

Thank you!

The F radical is highly reactive which means it will readily and spontaneously form a bond with another element/molecule very quickly and without any outside help. So when the radical forms a bond with another molecule it reaches a more stable state by releasing the high amount of energy that was once contained in the radical into the system.

The I radical is VERY slow to react because it is not as electronegative as Br or Cl or F. So you almost have to supply energy to make the reaction happen, thus making it endothermic.