Question

Which of the following best predicts the reaction between astatine and hydrogen?

a) No reaction will occur.
b) A slow, non-explosive reaction to form astatine hydride.
c) An explosive reaction to form hydrogen fluoride.
d) Astatine will only react with fluorine.

Answer 1

Astatine is expected to react with hydrogen in a slow, non-explosive manner to form astatine hydride due to its lower electronegativity and reactivity compared to other halogens like fluorine.

Step-by-step explanation:

The reaction between astatine and hydrogen is best predicted as a slow, non-explosive reaction to form astatine hydride. This prediction is based on the general behavior of hydrogen reactions with nonmetals, which usually result in the formation of acidic hydrogen compounds, with hydrogen typically in the 1+ oxidation state. Reactions become more vigorous with nonmetals that have greater electronegativities. Since astatine is a less electronegative and less reactive halogen compared to fluorine or chlorine, it is less likely to react explosively with hydrogen. Considering the reactivity of astatine is lower than that of fluorine, which reacts explosively with hydrogen to form HF, the reaction of hydrogen with astatine should be more subdued.