Reactions of Atomic Halogens

The methods for the production of atomic F, Cl, Br, I are essentially the same as those for the generation of atomic hydrogen and oxygen, i.e. the electric glow discharge and photodissociation. 

Since the absorption spectra of Xg molecules lie in the easily accessible visible and near UV regions, photodissociation is particularly suitable. 

The reactions of atomic F, Cl, Br, and I with a large number of compounds such as hydrocarbons, alkyl halides, aldehydes, ketones, and acids have been studied [232]. 

Addition reactions are also possible with unsaturated aromatic compounds. The most reliable rate constants available are those of the reactions X 4- RH HX + R. 

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