Bismuth: Properties, Uses, Isotopes and Sample Questions

Bismuth is a chemical element of the periodic table whose atomic number is 83 and is denoted by the symbol Bi it is also a radioactive element in nature which is also a post-transition metal. Bismuth was discovered by Claude Geoffrey Junine in 1753, it is an ancient element. Initially, Bismuth was assumed to be an alloy of tin and lead. In this article, we will discuss what Bismuth is, its different chemical and physical properties, uses of Bismuth, along with some important questions.

Key terms: Bismuth, Atomic number, Reaction, Isotopes, Compounds, modern periodic table.

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What is Bismuth?

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It is a slightly reddish-pinkish tinge on its white or sometimes crystalline metal. Bismuth occurs in the Earth’s crust. It is twice as abundant as gold. It belongs to group 15 and 6th period of the Periodic Table, represented by the symbol Bi. The atomic number of Bismuth is 83 and the electronic configuration of Bismuth is [Xe] 4f14 5d10 6s2 6p3. Mainly, refining and mining of Bismuth is done in China and Vietnam.

It is mostly found in the +3 oxidation state but sometimes it is also seen in the +5, -3, and +2 states. Since it is post-transition metal, it is a soft and poor conductor in general.

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Chemical Properties of Bismuth

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• Melting point: 544.55 K/271.40ËšC/520.52ËšF
• Boiling point: 1564ËšC/2847ËšF/1837 K
• Density: 9.79 g/cm³
• Generally considered nontoxic
• Reacts with Oxygen at room temperature
• It burns to form its oxides at the higher temperature
• Only Bismuth-209 is the stable isotope
• It has 2.02 electronegativity
• Pure Bismuth melts easily

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Physical Properties of Bismuth

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• Atomic number: 83
• Atomic mass: 208.980
• Solid at 20ËšC
• Block: P
• Period: 6
• Group: 15
• Structure: Rhombohedral
• 0.00002% natural abundance in Earth’s crust
• Naturally found in minerals Bismuthinite and Bismite

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Uses of Bismuth

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Bismuth is used in many different ways like, it is used in fire extinguishers, and many other electrical appliances. In industry, the Bismuth compound is used as a catalyst in the manufacturing of acrylonitrile. It is also used as a weak antacid. Sometimes Bismuth is used as an alternative for lead. Adding bismuth to any other compound decreases its melting point, hence it is used in most of the heat/fire resistance devices.

It is also used in many cosmetic products and pigments too. Bismuth oxychloride is used to give white colour to many cosmetic products. This compound is not only inexpensive but gives a beautiful, lustrous, pearlescent appearance for a glossy finish. Additionally, it feels nice and soft skin. However, consumers should stay away from cosmetics containing bismuth. This chemical is a heavy metal that can cause irritation and inflammation. Bismuth is used in medicines since the 18th century, Pepto-Bismol is an antidiarrheal agent used to treat gastrointestinal symptoms.

Also read: Bismuth(III) Chloride, Bismuth Subsalicylate

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Isotopes of Bismuth

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The only stable isotope of bismuth is Bismuth-209. It has 41 isotopes of its own, in which Bismuth-213 is used as a therapeutic radionuclide in targeted alpha-therapy in order to treat various cancer-related problems. It has a short half-life of 46 minutes only.

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Some Bismuth reactions

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• When Bismuth is added to any strong acid it dissolves and forms Bismuth(III) ion.
• Mostly when Bismuth is added to a base it forms Bismuth-Hydroxide and if the further base is added then it results in a precipitation reaction to form an insoluble salt.
•  Sometimes it reacts with vaporized water in order to form trioxide Bismuth(III) oxide. Cold water does not react.
• It gives tri-halide when reacts with halogens.

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Things to remember

• It is reddish-pinkish in colour and pure Bismuth can be easily found in nature. The atoms of Bismuth are trivalent and pentavalent and hence form trivalent or pentavalent compounds.
• The electronic configuration of Bismuth is [Xe] 4f14 5d10 6s2 6p3. Hence it uses three 6p electrons for the formation of bonds.
• Bismuth has many pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and other uses of it. It is also used in industries.
• Bismuth reacts with acids to give Bismuth(III) ion, it reacts with a base to give Bismuth hydroxide, and It reacts with hot vaporized water to form trioxide Bismuth(III) oxide.
• It is usually found in the +3 oxidation state, and in this state mostly atoms react with the halogens to form trihalides.