Extraction of 211At from nitric acid solutions into various organic solvents for use as an α-source for radiation chemistry studies

The partitioning of At-211 from an irradiated bismuth target using solvent extraction into several organic solvents is presented. Although astatine speciation is difficult to measure given its invariably low chemical concentration its extraction here is consistent with the existence of a cationic species in nitric acid that is not reduced upon contact with the organic phase. This is consistent with previous work that postulated the most probable species in acidic solution as AtO+. The technique presented has a simple experimental set up and provides high specific activity astatine solutions compatible for use in alpha-radiolysis studies.