Bismuth(III) oxide is perhaps the most industrially important compound of bismuth. It is also a common starting point for bismuth chemistry. It is found naturally as the mineral bismite (monoclinic) and sphaerobismoite (tetragonal, much more rare), but it is usually obtained as a by-product of the smelting of copper and lead ores. Bismuth trioxide is commonly used to produce the "Dragon's eggs" effect in fireworks, as a replacement of red lead. General applications of bismuth (III) oxide are:production of optical glasses with high indices of refraction, precursor in the production of other bismuth compounds.
- Formula
- Bi2O3
- Molar mass
- 465.96 g/mol
- CAS Number
- 1304-76-3
- Density
- 8.93 g/cm3 at 20°C (68°F)
- Purity/Grade
- 99.9% trace metals basis (ReagentPlus)
- Appearance
- Light yellow powder, 10 μm
- Water solubility
- 0.1 g/l - OECD Test Guideline 105 - slightly soluble
- Melting point/freezing point
- 825°C (1,517°F)