Names | |
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Other names
bismuth oxycarbonate, bismuthyl carbonate,
bismutite |
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Identifiers | |
ECHA InfoCard | 100.025.061 |
PubChem CID
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UNII | |
Properties | |
(BiO)2(CO3) | |
Molar mass | 509.9685 g/mol |
Appearance | fine white to pale yellow-white powder |
Density | 6.86 g/cm3 |
Boiling point | decomposes |
insoluble | |
Hazards | |
NFPA 704 | |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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what is ?) | (|
Infobox references | |
Bismuth subcarbonate (BiO)2CO3, sometimes written Bi2O2(CO3) is a chemical compound of bismuth containing both oxide and carbonate anions. Bismuth is in the +3 oxidation state. Bismuth subcarbonate occurs naturally as the mineral bismutite. Its structure consists of Bi-O layers and CO3 layers and is related to kettnerite, CaBi(CO3)OF. It is light sensitive.
It is highly radiopaque and for example is used as a filler in radiopaque catheters which can be seen by x-ray. In modern medicine, bismuth subcarbonate has been made into nanotube arrays that exhibit antibacterial properties. It is also used in fireworks to make Dragon's eggs. It is a constituent of milk of bismuth which was a popular digestive tract panacea in the 1930s
Bismuth subcarbonate may be harmful if swallowed. It may irritate the respiratory and gastrointestinal tract.