Bismuth(III) Subnitrate

Bismuth(III) subnitrate is a chemical compound with the molecular formula Bi5O(OH)9(NO3)4. It is composed of bismuth cations in the +3 oxidation state, hydroxide anions (OH-), and nitrate anions (NO3-). The compound has a white crystalline appearance and is insoluble in water.

Bismuth(III) subnitrate is commonly used as a reagent in organic chemistry reactions, particularly those involving the nitration of aromatic compounds. It can also be used as a precursor to create other bismuth compounds, such as bismuth oxide.

The structure of bismuth(III) subnitrate consists of layers of bismuth hydroxide and nitrate ions. The bismuth cations are coordinated by nine oxygen atoms, arranged in a distorted tricapped trigonal prism geometry. The nitrate anions act as bridging ligands between the bismuth cations, forming a complex network.

When heated, bismuth(III) subnitrate decomposes into bismuth oxide, nitrogen dioxide, and oxygen gas. This reaction occurs at temperatures between 200-250°C.

Overall, bismuth(III) subnitrate is a useful compound in organic chemistry reactions and is notable for its distinctive layered crystal structure.