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Send EmailBismuth Oxide, Bismuth Trioxide, Bismuth Sesquioxide, 1304-76-3
BISMUTH OXIDE (BI₂O₃)
BISMUTH OXIDE / BISMUTH TRIOXIDE / BISMUTH SESQUIOXIDE / BISMUTH(III) OXIDE
1. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Bismuth Oxide |
| Chemical Name | Bismuth(III) Oxide, Bismuth Trioxide, Bismuth Sesquioxide |
| Other Names | Bi₂O₃ |
| CAS Number | 1304-76-3 |
| EC Number (EINECS) | 215-134-7 |
| Chemical Formula | Bi₂O₃ |
| Molecular Weight | 465.96 g/mol |
| Appearance | Yellow to orange crystalline powder |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Physical State (20°C) | Solid (powder) |
2. CHEMICAL STRUCTURE
2.1. Molecular Structure
Bismuth oxide is an inorganic compound of bismuth and oxygen. Bismuth ions (Bi³⁺) and oxide ions (O²⁻) are present in a 2:3 ratio. It exists in multiple polymorphic forms (α-monoclinic, β-tetragonal, γ-BCC, δ-cubic high temperature phase). It is known for its high refractive index, ionic conductivity, and low toxicity. It is insoluble in water but soluble in acids.
Structural Features:
BISMUTH OXIDE [Bi₂O₃]
|
Bi³⁺ - O²⁻ Ionic Bonds
|
+----------------+----------------+
| | |
Polymorphic Yellow-Orange High Refractive
Structure Powder Form Index
2.2. Structural Properties
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Crystal Structure | Polymorphic (α-monoclinic, β-tetragonal, γ-BCC, δ-cubic) |
| Chemical Formula | Bi₂O₃ |
| Molecular Weight | 465.96 g/mol |
| Density | ~8.9 g/cm³ |
| Appearance | Yellow to orange crystalline powder |
| Melting Point | ~817 °C (α-phase) |
| Boiling Point | ~1,890 °C |
| Refractive Index | High |
| Dielectric Constant | High |
3. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
| Property | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Yellow to orange crystalline powder | Color shade depends on purity |
| Odor | Odorless | - |
| Chemical Formula | Bi₂O₃ | - |
| Molecular Weight | 465.96 g/mol | - |
| Density | ~8.9 g/cm³ | - |
| Melting Point | ~817 °C (α-phase) | - |
| Solubility in Water (25°C) | Insoluble | - |
| Solubility in Acids | Soluble | Forms bismuth salts |
| Solubility in Alcohol | Insoluble | - |
| Polymorphism | Multiple temperature-dependent phases | 5 different crystal phases |
| Ionic Conductivity | High (δ-phase) | Valuable for fuel cells |
| Optical Properties | High refractive index | Optical coatings |
| Toxicity | Low | Alternative to lead oxides |
| Hygroscopicity | Low | - |
4. PURITY GRADES
| Parameter | Technical Grade | High Purity Grade | Analytical Grade | Ultra-High Purity Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purity (Bi₂O₃) | ≥ 99.0% | ≥ 99.5% | ≥ 99.9% | ≥ 99.99% |
| Lead (Pb) | ≤ 100 ppm | ≤ 50 ppm | ≤ 20 ppm | ≤ 10 ppm |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 100 ppm | ≤ 50 ppm | ≤ 20 ppm | ≤ 10 ppm |
| Calcium (Ca) | ≤ 100 ppm | ≤ 50 ppm | ≤ 20 ppm | ≤ 10 ppm |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 100 ppm | ≤ 50 ppm | ≤ 20 ppm | ≤ 10 ppm |
| Chloride (Cl⁻) | ≤ 0.1% | ≤ 0.05% | ≤ 0.02% | ≤ 0.01% |
| Sulfate (SO₄²⁻) | ≤ 0.1% | ≤ 0.05% | ≤ 0.02% | ≤ 0.01% |
| Loss on Drying | ≤ 0.5% | ≤ 0.3% | ≤ 0.2% | ≤ 0.1% |
| Particle Size (D50) | 5-20 µm | 1-10 µm | 0.5-5 µm | 0.2-2 µm |
| BET Surface Area | 5-15 m²/g | 10-20 m²/g | 15-30 m²/g | 20-50 m²/g |
5. STABILITY AND REACTIVITY
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Chemical Stability | Stable in air; exhibits polymorphic transformations at high temperatures. |
| Conditions to Avoid | Strong acids, high humidity (prolonged), reducing atmosphere. |
| Incompatible Materials | Strong acids, strong reducing agents, halogens. |
| Hazardous Decomposition Products | Upon oxidation at high temperatures: bismuth oxide is stable; with acids: bismuth salts. |
| Hazardous Polymerization | Will not occur. |
| Hygroscopicity | Low. |
5.1. Chemical Reactions
Reaction with Acids:
Bi₂O₃ + 6HCl → 2BiCl₃ + 3H₂O
Bi₂O₃ + 6HNO₃ → 2Bi(NO₃)₃ + 3H₂O
Bi₂O₃ + 3H₂SO₄ → Bi₂(SO₄)₃ + 3H₂O
Reduction (at High Temperature):
Bi₂O₃ + 3H₂ → 2Bi + 3H₂O
Reaction with Alkali:
Bi₂O₃ + 2NaOH → 2NaBiO₂ + H₂O (at high temperature)
6. APPLICATION AREAS
6.1. Ceramic and Glass Industry
| Application | Function | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Pigment Additive | Colorant | Yellow-orange pigment |
| High Refractive Index Glasses | Optical property enhancement | Special optical glasses |
| Glass Coatings | Optical coating | Surface engineering |
| Ceramic Glazes | Gloss and color | Decorative ceramics |
6.2. Electronics and Energy
| Application | Function | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC) | Oxygen ion conductor | δ-Bi₂O₃ phase |
| Capacitors | Dielectric material | High dielectric constant |
| Sensors | Oxygen sensors | Gas detection |
| Varistors | Electronic component | Voltage protection |
6.3. Catalyst Applications
| Application | Function | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Oxidation Catalyst | Catalytic activity | Organic oxidation reactions |
| Photocatalysis | Light activation | Organic pollutant degradation |
| Chemical Industry | Catalytic conversion | Special catalytic processes |
6.4. Medical and Pharmaceutical
| Application | Function | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Dental Materials | Radiopaque additive | Dental composites |
| Pharmaceutical Applications | Active ingredient | Stomach ailment treatments |
| Radiological Contrast | Imaging additive | Radiography |
6.5. Pigments and Coatings
| Application | Function | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Coating Pigments | Colorant | Industrial coatings |
| Plastics | Colorant | Polymer additives |
| Corrosion Inhibitor | Protective coating | Metal surfaces |
6.6. Sectoral Suitability Table
| Sector | Suitability | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Ceramics and Glass | Suitable | Pigment, high refractive index glasses |
| Electronics/Energy | Suitable | SOFC, capacitors, sensors |
| Catalyst | Suitable | Oxidation catalysts, photocatalysis |
| Medical/Pharmaceutical | Suitable | Dental, radiological contrast |
| Pigments/Coatings | Suitable | Industrial coatings, plastics |
| Food | Not Suitable | Heavy metal oxide, not a food additive |
| Cosmetics | Limited | Some special formulations |
7. PRODUCTION PROCESS
| Stage | Process | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Raw Material Preparation | Bismuth metal or bismuth salts | High purity bismuth sources |
| 2. Oxidation | Thermal oxidation | Heating bismuth metal in air |
| 3. Chemical Precipitation | Nitrate/carbonate precipitation | Precipitation of bismuth salts |
| 4. Calcination | Thermal treatment | Conversion to oxide form (400-800°C) |
| 5. Milling | Mechanical processing | Achieving desired particle size |
| 6. Quality Control | Analysis and testing | ICP-OES, XRD, BET surface area |
7.1. Major Producing Countries
| Country | Description |
|---|---|
| China | Major producer |
| Belgium | Bismuth refining |
| USA | Bismuth production |
| Peru | Bismuth mining |
8. ALTERNATIVE / SUBSTITUTE PRODUCTS
| Alternative | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Bismuth Nitrate | For solution chemistry | When liquid form of bismuth is required |
| Bismuth Carbonate | Medical applications | Stomach medications |
| Lead Oxide (PbO) | Glass and ceramics | More toxic, older technology |
| Antimony Oxide (Sb₂O₃) | Pigments and catalysts | Lower cost alternative |
| Cerium Oxide (CeO₂) | Catalyst and fuel cells | Different catalytic properties |
9. SAFETY AND TOXICOLOGY
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Acute Oral Toxicity (LD50, Rat) | > 5,000 mg/kg (low toxicity) |
| Dermal Toxicity | Low |
| Skin Irritation | Mild irritant |
| Eye Irritation | Mild to moderate irritant |
| Inhalation | Fine dust inhalation may cause respiratory tract irritation. |
| Carcinogenicity | Not classified as carcinogenic. |
| Mutagenicity | Not mutagenic. |
| Chronic Effects | Bismuth compounds have low bioavailability; prolonged exposure may cause kidney effects. |
| Environmental Hazards | Low to moderate aquatic toxicity. |
9.1. GHS Classification
| Hazard Class | Category | H-Statement |
|---|---|---|
| Skin Irritation | Category 2 | H315: Causes skin irritation. |
| Eye Irritation | Category 2A | H319: Causes serious eye irritation. |
| Specific Target Organ Toxicity | Category 3 | H335: May cause respiratory irritation. |
Signal Word: WARNING
Hazard Pictograms: GHS07 (Exclamation Mark)
10. PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS (P-CODES)
| Code | Statement |
|---|---|
| P261 | Avoid breathing dust. |
| P264 | Wash thoroughly after handling. |
| P271 | Use only in well-ventilated areas. |
| P280 | Wear protective gloves/eye protection/face protection. |
| P302+P352 | IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of soap and water. |
| P304+P340 | IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. |
| P305+P351+P338 | IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do. |
| P337+P313 | If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention. |
| P501 | Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations. |
11. FIRST AID MEASURES
| Exposure Route | Action to Take |
|---|---|
| Inhalation | Remove to fresh air. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention. |
| Skin Contact | Wash with plenty of soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing. If irritation persists, seek medical attention. |
| Eye Contact | Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contact lenses. If irritation persists, seek medical attention. |
| Ingestion | Rinse mouth. Drink plenty of water. If large amount is swallowed, seek medical attention. |
12. STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE
| Parameter | Condition |
|---|---|
| Storage Conditions | Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. Ensure a moisture-free environment. |
| Container Requirements | Moisture-proof, tightly closed containers. |
| Temperature | Room temperature (15-25°C). |
| Shelf Life | 24-36 months under appropriate conditions. |
| Stability Note | Stable under normal conditions; keep away from acids and reducing agents. |
13. PACKAGING OPTIONS
| Packaging Type | Quantity | Material |
|---|---|---|
| Laboratory Packaging | 100 g, 500 g, 1 kg | HDPE bottle, aluminum foil bag |
| Industrial Packaging | 25 kg | PE-lined kraft bag, moisture-proof |
| Drum | 25 kg, 50 kg | HDPE drum, moisture-proof |
| IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container) | 500 kg, 1000 kg | Moisture-proof, palletized |
14. TRANSPORT INFORMATION
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| UN Number | Not classified (specific regulations apply for metal oxides) |
| Hazard Class | - |
| Packing Group | - |
| ADR/RID | Not regulated (special precautions may be required for powder form) |
| IMDG | Not regulated |
| IATA | Not regulated |
| HS Code | 2825.90.00.00.00 (Other metal oxides) |
15. REGULATORY STATUS
| Region / Authority | Status |
|---|---|
| European Union (REACH) | Registered |
| Turkey (KKDIK) | Compliance required |
| TSCA (USA) | Registered |
| EINECS | 215-134-7 |
| China | Registered; major production and export country |
16. OTHER NAMES AND SYNONYMS
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Bismuth Trioxide | Chemical name |
| Bismuth Sesquioxide | Chemical name |
| Bismuth(III) Oxide | Chemical name |
| Bi₂O₃ | Chemical abbreviation |
| Yellow Bismuth Oxide | Trade name |
| Bismuth Oxide Powder | Common name |
17. QUICK REFERENCE TABLE
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 1304-76-3 |
| EC Number | 215-134-7 |
| Chemical Formula | Bi₂O₃ |
| Molecular Weight | 465.96 g/mol |
| Appearance | Yellow to orange crystalline powder |
| Density | ~8.9 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | ~817 °C |
| Crystal Structure | Polymorphic |
| HS Code | 2825.90.00.00.00 |
| GHS Signal Word | WARNING |
18. CRITICAL WARNINGS AND BEST PRACTICES
CRITICAL WARNINGS:
Polymorphism: Bismuth oxide exists in 5 different crystal phases depending on temperature. The δ-Bi₂O₃ phase exhibits high oxygen ion conductivity and is valuable for solid oxide fuel cells.
Lead Alternative: Due to its low toxicity, it is used as an environmentally friendly alternative to lead oxides.
High Refractive Index: A valuable property for optical glasses and coatings.
Incompatibility: Reacts with strong acids and reducing agents.
Powder Hazard: Fine powder form may cause respiratory tract irritation. Dust control measures must be taken.
BEST PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS:
Storage:
Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.
Use moisture-proof, tightly closed containers.
Keep away from acids and reducing agents.
Store at room temperature (15-25°C).
Handling:
Use in well-ventilated areas with local exhaust ventilation.
Use a dust mask (N95 or better), protective goggles, and gloves.
Avoid dust formation and inhalation.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
For dissolution in acids, add oxide to acid slowly with cooling and stirring.
Waste Management:
Dispose of in accordance with local regulations.
Do not discharge into water sources.
For large quantities, bismuth recovery should be considered.
LEGAL DISCLAIMER
This Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is for informational purposes only and has been prepared based on available technical data. The user is solely responsible for determining the suitability of the product for their specific applications and for complying with all local, national, and international regulations. For complete safety, storage, handling, transport, disposal, and regulatory compliance information, the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier must be consulted. This document does not substitute professional advice. Bismuth oxide is an environmentally friendly alternative to lead-based materials in ceramic, electronic, and catalyst applications due to its low toxicity and high performance; however, it should be used with appropriate safety precautions.