What Is Bismuth Nitrate?
Bismuth nitrate is a compound consisting of bismuth (Bi) with three nitrate ions attached.
It is represented by the molecular formula Bi(NO₃)₃・5H₂O and has a molecular weight of 485.07 g/mol. The CAS number, which is a unique chemical number, is assigned as 10035-06-0. It is usually used in the state of bismuth sub-nitrate or bismuth nitrate pentahydrate.
Under normal conditions, it is stable in a white crystalline state, but its melting point is 30°C, so temperature control is important when storing it. Bismuth nitrate is almost insoluble in water and ethanol, but soluble in dilute nitric acid.
The aqueous solution itself is acidic and may be altered by light. In most cases, the production process involves the production of bismuth pentahydrate from bismuth metal by the interaction of a nitric acid solution and an oxide or basic bismuth nitrate.
Uses of Bismuth Nitrate
Bismuth nitrate was often used as a treatment for syphilis until the discovery of penicillin in the 1940s. Since the discovery of penicillin, however, it has been used as a synthetic material for a variety of compounds, including unsaturated aldehydes, unsaturated carboxylic acids, and phenyl esters.
Bismuth metal is available in relatively inexpensive granular and powdered forms. The granular form can be ground with a file used in glasswork to make it suitable for use in organic synthesis and as a catalyst. It has been shown that high activity can be obtained by using bismuth-containing raw materials as catalysts.
In addition, the use of bismuth nitrate makes it possible to synthesize compounds without using nitric acid as a raw material. Furthermore, bismuth compounds are used as digestive stimulants, intestinal regulators, and internal medicines for enteritis, gastric ulcers, etc., as well as topically for external use in external wounds and burns, etc. Bismuth compounds are also used as digestive stimulants, intestinal regulators, internal medicines for enteritis, gastric ulcers, etc., and topical astringents for external use on wounds and burns. Bismuth nitrate is especially useful as a therapeutic agent to improve diarrhea symptoms by alleviating irritation of the intestinal mucosa, anti-inflammatory action, and suppression of intestinal motility.
The strong astringent effect of bismuth nitrate binds to proteins in the intestinal mucosa and creates a protective film, thereby alleviating inflammation and irritation of the mucosa and suppressing intestinal peristalsis. 2 g two to three times a day is considered effective. However, side effects such as nausea, anorexia, and blue or blue-black coloration of mucous membranes should be noted.
Properties of Bismuth Nitrate
It is a nonflammable solid and will not burn by itself, but it has the characteristic of releasing oxygen when heated, impacted, or subjected to friction, thereby contributing to combustion. Therefore, Bismuth Nitrate may ignite and burn violently when mixed with combustibles as an oxidizing agent, and must be handled with care.
Bismuth nitrate has the property of decomposing when heated, emitting toxic gases of bismuth oxide and nitrogen oxides. In particular, as the concentration of nitrogen oxides increases, the risk of respiratory illnesses, such as coughing and phlegm production, will increase. Therefore, it is advisable to choose a well-ventilated place to use.
Other Information on Bismuth Nitrate
Handling and Storage Precautions
- Keep the container tightly closed in a cool, well-ventilated place out of direct sunlight.
- Avoid mixing with organic matter, combustibles, and reducing agents.
- Storage in glass containers is preferable.
- Store away from heat, sparks, flames, and other ignition sources.