Vismuttikloridia

Vismuttikloridia, also known as bismuth chloride, is a chemical compound with the formula BiCl3. It is a white crystalline solid that is highly soluble in water and alcohol. Bismuth chloride is typically produced by the reaction of bismuth metal with chlorine gas or by the reaction of bismuth(III) oxide with hydrochloric acid.

In aqueous solutions, bismuth chloride readily hydrolyzes to form bismuth oxychloride (BiOCl) and hydrochloric acid. This hydrolysis makes it a useful precursor for the synthesis of other bismuth compounds, including bismuth(III) oxide and various bismuth salts. Bismuth chloride can also act as a Lewis acid and is used as a catalyst in organic synthesis, particularly in acylation and alkylation reactions.

Historically, bismuth compounds, including bismuth chloride, have been used in traditional medicine for various ailments. In modern applications, bismuth chloride finds use in the production of pigments, as a mordant in dyeing, and in certain pharmaceutical preparations, although its direct use in medicine is less common than other bismuth compounds like bismuth subsalicylate. It is also employed in the manufacturing of ceramics and glass. Handling bismuth chloride requires caution as it is corrosive and can cause irritation to the skin and eyes.

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