Salts & Minerals
REACH
Bismuth subnitrate
CAS Number
1304-85-4
EC Number
215-136-8
What is Bismuth subnitrate?
Bismuth subnitrate (CAS 1304-85-4), also sold as basic bismuth nitrate and bismuth hydroxide nitrate oxide, is an inorganic bismuth salt used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic manufacturing.
Where is Bismuth subnitrate used?
- Pharmaceuticals: buffering and opacifying agent in antacid and gastrointestinal preparations
- Topical pharmaceuticals: astringent and protective agent in dusting powders and wound dressings
- Cosmetics: opacifier and whitening pigment in face powders, foundations and skin-care creams
- Ceramics and glass: precursor for bismuth oxide production
- Its buffering capacity helps neutralize excess stomach acid in solid dosage forms.
Good to know: Ph. Eur. and BP grades meet purity specifications for medicinal product manufacturing; technical grade is for non-pharmaceutical industrial uses where pharmacopoeial compliance is not required.
Commercial specifications
- Ph. Eur. and BP grades
Other Names (Synonyms)
Bismuth hydroxide nitrate oxide|Bismuth nitrate, basic|Basic bismuth nitrate|Novismuth|Vicalin|Vikaline|Bismuth paint|Bismuth Synlab
What are the physical properties of Bismuth subnitrate?
Melting Point 260 °C (decomp)
Density 4.928 g/cm³
Appearance White, heavy, Slightly hygroscopic powder
Color White
Form Powder/Solid
Water Solubility Practically insoluble in water and alcohol. Soluble in dilute HNO{3} and HCl
Vapor Pressure 0Pa at 20℃
pH 3.2 (50g/l, H2O, 20℃)(slurry)
How is Bismuth subnitrate classified and handled safely? Learn More
Danger
GHS03· Oxidizing GHS07· Irritant GHS08· Health Hazard
Hazard Statements
H272 May intensify fire; oxidizer
H315 Causes skin irritation
H319 Causes serious eye irritation
H335 May cause respiratory irritation
H371 May cause damage to organs
H372 Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure
Precautionary Statements
P210 Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
P220 Keep away from clothing and other combustible materials.
P260 Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
P261 Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
Which trade and regulatory codes apply to Bismuth subnitrate?
HS Code 28342990
UN Number 1477
ADR Class 5.1
Packing Group II
WGK (Germany) 3