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Bismuth Oxide, Bismuth Trioxide, Bismuth Sesquioxide, 1304-76-3

Bismuth 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.

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