Why Group 17 Is Called Halogens: Unveiling The Elemental Mystery

The term “halogen” originates from the Greek roots “hal-” meaning “salt” and “-gen” meaning “to produce.” This name was assigned to this group of chemical elements because they share a common characteristic – the ability to form sodium salts with similar properties. One of the most widely recognized examples of a sodium salt produced by halogens is sodium chloride, commonly known as table salt or halite. The name “halogen” thus reflects their capacity to generate salts with characteristics akin to sodium chloride, and this connection is integral to understanding their nomenclature and chemical properties. (Date: September 5, 2023)

Halogens, a group of elements found in the seventh column of the periodic table, derive their name from the Greek words “halos” meaning ‘salt’ and “genes” meaning ‘forming.’ This name is aptly chosen because halogens possess a unique characteristic – they readily form compounds known as salts when they react with metals. The reason behind this reactivity lies in the fact that all halogens have precisely seven electrons in their outermost electron shell, making them highly eager to bond with other elements, especially metals, to achieve a stable electron configuration. Consequently, this distinctive property of halogens, coupled with their shared electron configuration, has led scientists to classify them together as the “Halogens,” a group of elements renowned for their salt-forming tendencies.

The elements in Group 17 of the periodic table, known as halogens, are positioned to the left of the noble gases. This chemical group comprises five distinct, non-metallic elements renowned for their toxic properties. The halogens in Group 17 include fluorine (F), chlorine (Cl), bromine (Br), iodine (I), and astatine (At). This classification within the periodic table helps us understand the chemical behavior and properties of these elements. As of June 30, 2023, this information remains relevant.