Inorganic chemistry of univalent astatine

A review is given of the state of knowledge of the chemistry of astatine with the oxidation number +1. According to the position in the periodic system, astatine has metalloidal properties. The existence of a singly-charged cation in acid solution and the complex formation reactions with halide ions (Cl-, Br-, and I-), with pseudohalide ions (SCN-, CN-, C(CN)3-, and N3-), and with thioureas and their derivatives underline the metalloidal character of At(I). Optimal preparation conditions, chemical composition of astatine compounds, existence and stability regions of At(I) complexes, and stability constants have been investigated by means of electromigration in free electrolyte solutions