7.23 Why are halogens strong oxidising agents?
Halogens have 7 electrons in their valance shell and they need only one more electron to complete their octet and to attain the stable noble gas configuration. So they have a high tendency to gain an electron. Also, halogens are highly electronegative with low dissociation energies and high negative electron gain enthalpies which just increase the tendency to gain an electron. Hence they are strong oxidising agent.