Bismuth chloride

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Bismuth chloride
IUPAC name	Bismuth chloride
Other names	Bismuth trichloride, Trichlorobismuth, Trichlorobismuthine, Bismuth (III) chloride
Molecular formula	BiCl3
Identifiers
CAS number	[7787-60-2]
Properties
Molar mass	315.33 g/mol
Appearance	hygroscopic white to yellow crystals
Density	4.56 g/cm³
Melting point	227 °C
Boiling point	447 °C
Solubility in water	Decomposes to bismuth oxychloride
Solubility in methanol, diethyl ether, acetone	Soluble
Hazards
MSDS	[1]
Main hazards	Highly toxic, corrosive, irritant
R-phrases	R34
S-phrases	S26, S28, S36
Related compounds
Other anions	Bismuth subsalicylate, Bismuth trioxide
Other cations	iron(III) chloride, manganese(II) chloride, cobalt(II) chloride
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) Infobox disclaimer and references

Bismuth chloride is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula BiCl₃. A common source of the Bi³⁺ ion, BiCl₃ is generated by treating the oxide Bi₂O₃ with hydrochloric acid. In the gas phase, the species adopts a pyramidal structure, in accord with VSEPR theory. In contrast to the usual expectation by consistent with periodic trends, BiCl₃ is Lewis acidic, forming a variety of chloro complexes such as [BiCl₆]^3- that strongly violates the octet rule. Furthermore the octahedral structure of this complex does not follow the predictions of VSEPR theory. The dianionic complex [BiCl₅]^2- does however adopt the expected square pyramidal structure.^[1]

[edit] Uses

Bismuth chloride is an excellent water soluble crystalline source of bismuth. Its aqueous solution conducts electricity as does the molten material.

[edit] Safety

Bismuth chloride is toxic. See MSDS.

[edit] References

1. ^ Holleman, A. F.; Wiberg, E. "Inorganic Chemistry" Academic Press: San Diego, 2001. ISBN 0-12-352651-5.