The standard reduction potentials of halogens are given below: E^ _ F₂/F^- = 2.87 V E^ _ Cl₂/Cl^- = 1.36 V E^ _ Br₂/Br^- = 1.09 V E^ _ I₂/I^- = 0.54 V Consider the following statements: I. F₂ is the strongest oxidizing agent among them. II. I₂ can displace Br^- from its aqueous solution. III. Cl₂ can oxidize I^- to I₂ . IV. Br^- is a stronger reducing agent than Cl^- . How many of the above statements are correct?

Step-by-step solution

Statement I is correct: A higher standard reduction potential indicates a stronger tendency to get reduced, making F₂ the strongest oxidizing agent. Statement II is incorrect: For I₂ to displace Br^- , the reaction I₂ + 2Br^- 2I^- + Br₂ must be spontaneous. The standard cell potential E^ _ cell = E^ _ I₂/I^- - E^ _ Br₂/Br^- = 0.54 - 1.09 = -0.55 V . Since E^ _ cell is negative, the reaction cannot occur. Statement III is correct: For Cl₂ to oxidize I^- , the reaction Cl₂ + 2I^- 2Cl^- + I₂ must be spontaneous. E^ _