Difference Between Halogen and Xenon

Halogen vs Xenon

Different elements in the periodic table have different properties, but elements with similar properties are put together and made groups.


Halogens are a series of non-metals in the group 17, in the periodic table. Fluorine (F), chlorine (Cl), bromine (Br), iodine (I) and astatine (At) are the halogens. Halogens are in all three states as solids, liquids and gases. Fluorine and chlorine are gases whereas bromine is a liquid. Iodine and astatine are naturally found as solids. Since all the elements belong to the same group, they show some similar properties, and we can identify some trends in changing properties.

All the halogens are non-metals, and they have the common electron configuration of s2 p7; also, there is a pattern in the electron configuration. As you go down the group, the atomic number increases so the final orbital where the electron is filled also increases. Down the group, the size of the atom increases. Therefore, the attraction between the nucleus and electrons in the last orbital decreases. This, in turn, leads to the decreasing ionization energy down the group. Also as you go down the group, electronegativity and reactivity decreases. In contrast boiling point and melting point increases down the group.

Halogens are found in nature as diatomic molecules. Compared to other elements in the periodic table, they are highly reactive. They have high electronegativities than other elements due to their high effective nuclear charge. Normally when halogens are reacting with other elements (especially with metals) they gain an electron and form ionic compounds. Thus, they have the ability to form -1 anions. Other than that they also participate in making covalent bonds. Then also they tend to attract the electrons in the bond towards themselves due to high electronegativity.

Hydrogen halides are strong acids. Fluorine, among the other halogen is the most reactive element, and it is very corrosive and highly toxic. Chlorine and bromine are used as disinfectants for water. Further chlorine is an essential ion to our bodies.


Xenon is a noble gas with the chemical symbol Xe. Its atomic number is 54. Since it is a noble gas, its orbitals are fully filled with electrons and it has the electron configuration of [Kr] 5s2 4d10 5p6. Xenon is a colourless, odourless, heavy gas. It is present in the Earth’s atmosphere in trace amounts.

Although xenon is unreactive, it can be oxidized with very powerful oxidizing agents. Therefore, many xenon compounds have been synthesized. Xenon has naturally occurring eight stable isotopes. Xenon is used in xenon flash lamps which are light emitting devices. Laser produced from xenon chloride are used for dermatological purposes. Also, xenon is used as a general anaesthetic in medicine. Certain xenon isotopes are radioactive. 133Xe isotope, which is emitting gamma radiation, is used to image organs in the body by means of single photon emission computed tomography.

Halogen vs Xenon

  • Xenon is a noble gas, and it is in the group 18 whereas halogens are in the group 17.
  • In xenon, orbitals are fully filled, but in halogens, they are not fully filled.
  • Halogens are highly reactive compared to xenon.
  • Halogens make a large number of compounds with other elements whereas xenon has limited number of compounds.