Which of the following halogen disproportionates in water? — p Block Elements Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Step 1: Disproportionation is a reaction in which the same substance is both oxidized and reduced. Step 2: Chlorine (Cl2) dissolves in water and undergoes disproportionation to yield hydrochloric acid (HCl) and hypochlorous acid (HOCl): Cl2 + H2O <=> HCl + HOCl. Fluorine (F2) simply oxidizes water to oxygen, and iodine (I2) has negligible reaction with water. Step 3: Therefore, among the options, only Chlorine (Cl2) undergoes disproportionation in water, matching option (b).