Why doesn’t the reaction: Br2(aq) + 2NaCl(aq) → Cl2(aq) + 2NaBr(aq) occur? In other words, why don’t the two Br atoms stop sharing an e pair with each other to exist as Br2 and each take an e from the available two Cl ions instead? Answer with respect to the relative E. A. values for Cl and Br. /2

Chlorine has higher Electron Affinity as compared to Bromine

Explanation:

Electron affinity is defined as the Potential energy change of the atom when an electron is added to a neutral gaseous atom. Therefore, more the Negative electron affinity, more favorable will be the electron addition process.

The electron affinity of Chlorine is -349kJmol^-1

The electron affinity of Bromine is -324.6KJmol^-1

This clearly shows that Chlorine is a much better Atom to be bonded with, That is the reason why in the reaction is not feasible.

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Therefore, Chlorine has higher electron Affinity as compared to Bromine and that what makes it a much better atom to be bonded with Na. So the above reaction is not possible.