Order of positive mesomeric effect of halides

I learned that the order of $+M$ effect (mesomeric effect) for halogens is as follows: $\ce{F} > \ce{Cl} > \ce{Br} > \ce I$.


I wonder why this is so?




$\ce{2p-2p}$ orbitals overlaps better than $\ce{2p-3p}$, $\ce{2p-4p}$, $\ce{2p-5p}$. Although $\ce{F}$ is more electronegative, but it is also smaller in size. Both $\ce{F}$ and $\ce{C}$ (next to it) have $\ce{2p}$ orbitals to overlap.


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Found the answer, it is because of size difference that smaller halogens are able to make more effective p orbital overlap with carbon.


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