Iodine trichloride facts for kids
Iodine trichloride is a special kind of chemical compound. Think of it as a tiny building block made from two different elements: iodine and chlorine. Its chemical formula is ICl3. This formula tells us that each molecule of iodine trichloride has one iodine atom and three chlorine atoms joined together. In this compound, the iodine atom has a special "charge" or "state" called a +3 oxidation state.
What it's Like
Iodine trichloride is a bright yellow solid. It becomes a liquid when heated to 63 °C (145 °F) (about 145 degrees Fahrenheit). When it melts, it can carry electricity, which is interesting for a melted solid.
How it Acts
This compound is a strong oxidizing agent. This means it can take electrons from other substances, causing them to change. It is also an interhalogen. An interhalogen compound is made from two or more different halogen elements. Iodine and chlorine are both halogens.
How it's Made
Scientists can make iodine trichloride in a few ways. One way is to mix a lot of cold iodine with liquid chlorine. Another method involves heating liquid iodine with chlorine gas. This reaction happens at a temperature of 105 °C (221 °F) (about 221 degrees Fahrenheit).
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