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Why is the fluorination of benzene highly exothermic whereas iodination is endothermic?
Can you explain to me why the fluorination of benzene is highly exothermic, while iodination is endothermic?
Sure, I'd be happy to help. The reason for this is that fluorine is a more electronegative element than iodine, so it is more likely to attract electrons towards itself. When fluorine reacts with benzene, this electron attraction releases a lot of energy as heat, making the reaction exothermic. On the other hand, iodine is less electronegative, so it doesn't attract electrons as strongly, leading to a less energetically favorable reaction that is endothermic.