Reactivity & Chemical Bonding
Chemical Behavior & Oxidation States
Astatine exhibits chemical reactivity characteristic of the metalloid family, governed by an electronegativity of 2.2 and standard valence interactions.
Z = 85Metalloid
Launch 3D Atom & Orbitals LabAstatine
At
Standard Atomic Mass: 210 u
Period 6Group 17P-Block
Chemical Specimen/At
Concentric Electron Shells6 Energy Levels
n=1: 2e⁻→
n=2: 8e⁻→
n=3: 18e⁻→
n=4: 32e⁻→
n=5: 18e⁻→
n=6: 7e⁻
Scientific Monograph • Metalloid
3D Atom SimulatorAstatine (At) Scientific Profile
Astatine (At) is an element with atomic number 85, classified as a metalloid. Positioned in Period 6, Group 17, and P-block, its chemical and physical profile is defined by its electron configuration ([Xe]4f¹⁴5d¹⁰6s²6p⁵) and periodic trends.
Interactive Virtual Labs Available for Astatine
3D Orbitals & Valence Lab
Simulate concentric quantum energy levels, observe valence electron spins, and examine live atomic clouds in full 3D.
Electronic Configuration Lab
Experiment with Aufbau subshell ordering, explore orbital occupancy, and analyze quantum configuration exceptions.
Electron Config
[Xe]4f¹⁴5d¹⁰6s²6p⁵
Electronegativity
2.2 Pauling
Year Discovered
1940
Orbital Shells
6 Principal Levels
Orbital Block
p-block orbital
Group / Period
G: 17 • P: 6
Technological Utility
Industrial & Energy Applications
Astatine is utilized in industrial fabrication, materials engineering, electronic manufacturing, and advanced laboratory research based on its specific thermodynamic properties.
Biological Role
Biomedical Profile & Toxicity
Astatine does not play a prominent biological role in human biochemistry, existing primarily as a trace element or mineral component in natural ecosystems.
Geochemistry & Abundance
Cosmic & Terrestrial Occurrence
Elements like Astatine are synthesized through stellar nucleosynthesis and supernovae r-processes. On Earth, Astatine is concentrated in specific ore deposits or synthesized in nuclear accelerators.
Frequently Asked Questions about Astatine
Q
What are the key physical and atomic properties of Astatine?
Astatine (At) has an atomic number of 85 and a standard atomic mass of 210 u. It is positioned in Period 6, Group 17, in the P-block, and is classified within the Metalloid category.
Q
What is the electron configuration of Astatine?
The ground-state electron configuration of Astatine is [Xe]4f¹⁴5d¹⁰6s²6p⁵. Its 85 electrons are distributed across 6 principal energy levels (2, 8, 18, 32, 18, 7).
Q
Why does Astatine exhibit an electron configuration exception?
Astatine follows standard Aufbau principle orbital filling. Transition metals and heavy elements optimize their shell filling based on subshell exchange energy and electrostatic stability.
Q
What are the primary commercial and laboratory uses of Astatine?
Astatine is utilized in industrial fabrication, materials engineering, electronic manufacturing, and advanced laboratory research based on its specific thermodynamic properties.