Halogens generally react with metals to form

Analyze the question: It asks what product forms when halogens (Group 17: fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine) react with metals.

Explain the concept: Halogens are very reactive non-metals. Each has 7 valence electrons and needs just one more to complete its octet. Metals readily lose electrons. So when a halogen reacts with a metal, the metal transfers electrons to the halogen, forming an ionic compound made of a metal cation and a halide anion (X⁻). Ionic compounds of this type are called salts, specifically metal halides.

Solution:

• Sodium with chlorine: 2Na + Cl₂ → 2NaCl (sodium chloride, common table salt)
• Iron with chlorine: 2Fe + 3Cl₂ → 2FeCl₃ (iron(III) chloride)
• Magnesium with bromine: Mg + Br₂ → MgBr₂ (magnesium bromide)

Checking the other options:

• A. Alkalis: These are soluble bases such as NaOH. Halogens and metals do not directly form these.
• B. Acids: Halogens form acids (like HCl) when they combine with hydrogen, not with metals.
• C. Bases: These are usually metal oxides or hydroxides, which need oxygen or water, not a halogen.
• D. Salts: Correct. Metal halides are salts.

Answer: D. salts.

Tip: Remember "Halogen + Metal = Halide salt." The name "halogen" literally means "salt-former" (from Greek hals = salt, gen = producer). The name itself gives you the answer.