Oxidant strength of the halogen oxyanions

All of the halogen oxyanions are strong oxidants.

• ClO^– and its corresponding oxyacid are important in the bleaching process.
• ClO₃^– is used commercially in matches and in fireworks as an oxidant.

Interhalogens

Interhalogens also exist containing all other pairs of Group 17 elements.
The element higher in the group exists in the negative oxidation state.
Examples are ICl₃ (I +3, Cl -1), IF₇ (I +7, F -1) and BrCl (Br +1, Cl -1)

Autooxidation-reduction of other halogens

• Fluorine doesn't exist in positive states therefore doesn't undergo autooxidation reduction.
• Iodine and bromine also react with OH^-(aq), but XO₃^– is produced directly at room temperature, as the XO^– ion is less stable than ClO^–.