Why fluorine is most electronegative

Nonmetals have more valence electrons and increase their stability by gaining electrons to become anions. The electronegativities of nonmetals are generally high.

Electronegativities generally increase from left to right across a period. This is due to an increase in nuclear charge. Alkali metals have the lowest electronegativities, while halogens have the highest. Because most noble gases do not form compounds, they do not have electronegativities. Note that there is little variation among the transition metals. Electronegativities generally decrease from top to bottom within a group due to the larger atomic size.

This indicates that fluorine has a high tendency to gain electrons from other elements with lower electronegativities. We can use these values to predict what happens when certain elements combine. The following video shows this. Typically this exchange is between a metal and a nonmetal. For instance, sodium and chlorine will typically combine to form a new compound and each ion becomes isoelectronic with its nearest noble gas.

When we compare the EN values, we see that the electronegativity for Na is 0. The absolute difference between ENs is 0. This value is greater than 1. Use the link below to answer the following questions:. It is very unstable and reactive since it is so close to its ideal electron configuration. It forms covalent bonds with nonmetals, and since it is the most electronegative element, is always going to be the element that is reduced.

It will react explosively with many elements and compounds such as Hydrogen and water. This acid is very dangerous and when dissociated can cause severe damage to the body because while it may not be painful initially, it passes through tissues quickly and can cause deep burns that interfere with nerve function.

There are also some organic compounds made of Fluorine, ranging from nontoxic to highly toxic. Fluorine forms covalent bonds with Carbon, which sometimes form into stable aromatic rings.

The reaction goes:. Fluorine also forms strong ionic compounds with metals. Some common ionic reactions of Fluorine are:. Compounds of fluorine are present in fluoridated toothpaste and in many municipal water systems where they help to prevent tooth decay.

And, of course, fluorocarbons such as Teflon have made a major impact on life in the 20th century. There are many applications of fluorine:. Fluorine can either be found in nature or produced in a lab.

To make it in a lab, compounds like Potassium Fluoride are put through electrolysis with Hydrofluoric acid to create pure Fluorine and other compounds. It can be carried out with a variety of compounds, usually ionic ones involving Fluorine and a metal. Fluorine can also be found in nature in various minerals and compounds. Fluorine is usually reduced because it accepts an electron from other elements since it is so electronegative. Toothpaste, plastics, rocket fuels, glass etching, etc. Does Fluorine form compounds with nonmetals?

Brief History In the late 's minerals which we now know contain fluorine were used in etching glass. Fluorine has a higher electronegatevity if compared with other than elements in the periodic tables due to:.

It seems that although I am no chemist that the valence electrons in the 2nd shell have a higher priority than any other shell, if the 2nd shell is the valence shell. The closer it gets to being full, we know that electronegativity increases.

With Fluorine only needing one more electron to be complete. The big battle for second place is interesting. Oxygen only needs 2 electrons in its valence shell.

Chlorine only needs one, but in its 3rd shell. But we know Oxygen wins out by a slim margin. Sign up to join this community. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top. Stack Overflow for Teams — Collaborate and share knowledge with a private group.

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