Astatine (At): Properties, Uses and Facts in 3D
Astatine is element 85 on the periodic table, a halogen, so it is a nonmetal. At room temperature it is a solid. Open it in the 3D Periodic Table to spin its tile, see its electron shells and read its story.
Explore in 3DAstatine quick facts
| Atomic number | 85 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | At |
| Atomic mass | 210 |
| Category | Halogen |
| Group and period | Group 17, period 6 |
| Block | p-block |
| State at room temperature | Solid |
| Electron configuration | [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ 6s² 6p⁵ |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 18, 32, 18, 7 |
| Discovered | 1940, Corson |
What is astatine used for?
- Cancer radiotherapy research (At-211)
- Nuclear physics research
- Medical isotope production
Interesting facts about astatine
- Astatine is the rarest naturally occurring element. Under about 28 g exists in Earth's crust at any time, possibly under 1 g
- At-211 is being researched as a targeted alpha therapy for cancer
- The total amount of astatine ever produced by humans is less than a microgram
Astatine was discovered in 1940 by Corson in the United States.
Where astatine sits on the periodic table
Astatine is in group 17, period 6. Tap any element to open its page.
Other halogens
Astatine questions
What is the atomic number of astatine?
Astatine has atomic number 85, so every astatine atom has 85 protons in its nucleus. Its symbol is At and its atomic mass is 210.
Is astatine a metal?
Astatine is a nonmetal. On the periodic table it is grouped as a halogen, found in group 17, period 6.
What is the electron configuration of astatine?
The electron configuration of astatine is [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ 6s² 6p⁵. Its electrons sit in 6 shells: 2, 8, 18, 32, 18, 7.
What is astatine used for?
Astatine is used for cancer radiotherapy research (at-211), nuclear physics research and medical isotope production.
Who discovered astatine?
Astatine was discovered in 1940 by Corson in the United States.
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