vismuttinitraattia

Vismuttinitraattia, also known as bismuth(III) nitrate, is a chemical compound with the formula Bi(NO3)3. It is typically encountered as a white crystalline solid, though it can also appear as colorless crystals. Vismuttinitraattia is a salt formed from the reaction of bismuth(III) oxide or bismuth(III) hydroxide with nitric acid.

In its anhydrous form, bismuth(III) nitrate is unstable and readily decomposes upon heating, releasing toxic nitrogen oxides. It is more commonly found as a pentahydrate, Bi(NO3)3·5H2O. This hydrated form is more stable and is the commercially available variety.

Vismuttinitraattia is soluble in strong acids like nitric acid and sulfuric acid, but it hydrolyzes in water, forming insoluble basic bismuth nitrates. This hydrolysis reaction is pH-dependent. Due to its tendency to hydrolyze, it is often stored and handled in acidic solutions.

Industrially, vismuttinitraattia has various applications. It is used as a precursor for the synthesis of other bismuth compounds, including bismuth oxychloride, which finds use in cosmetics for its pearlescent effect. It also serves as a catalyst in certain organic reactions and has been employed in the production of pigments. Historically, bismuth compounds have been used in medicine, and while less common now, some derivatives of bismuth(III) nitrate have seen use as astringents and antiseptics.