Question

Which of the following halogens does not form its oxyacids?
A. Fluorine
B. Chlorine
C. Bromine
D. Iodine

Answer 1

Hint: In HOF, fluorine and oxygen are produced. Therefore, we cannot assert that all produce monobasic oxoacids. Because of the tiny atom, we are aware that fluorine exhibits some unusual characteristics. Due to the electron repulsion domination nature, which is strongest in chlorine and smaller in fluorine, chlorine has the highest electron-gain enthalpy.

Complete Step by Step Solution:
We are aware of the existence of the unstable chemical HOF. In HOF, fluorine and oxygen are produced. Therefore, we cannot assert that all produce monobasic oxoacids.

We are clear that while other halogens exhibit both positive and negative oxidation states, fluorine alone exhibits a $ + 1$ oxidation state. High electronegativity fluorine only generates one oxy acid due to its small size (HOF), except for HOF, all halogens produce monobasic oxoacids.

Oxoacids are essentially acids that contain oxygen, hydrogen, and a second element.
Now, the four oxoacids of chlorine are listed below:
 1. Hypochlorous acid $HOCl$
2. Chlorous acid $HOC{l_2}$
3. Chloric acid $HOC{l_3}$
4. Per chloric acid $HOC{l_4}$
For Bromine and Iodine, we have $HBr{O_3}$ and $HI{O_3}$

Hence, the correct answer is option (A) Fluorine.

Note: Fluorine is smaller yet has a higher electronegativity value. Despite chlorine having a lower electronegativity value than fluorine, fluorine has a lower electron gain enthalpy than chlorine due to its smaller size.