Bismuth subcarbonate
Encyclopedia
Bismuth subcarbonate Bi2O2(CO3), sometimes written (BiO)2CO3 is a chemical compound of bismuth
containing both oxide
and carbonate
anions. Bismuth is in the +3 oxidation state
. Bismuth subcarbonate occurs naturally as the mineral bismutite. Its structure consists of Bi-O layers and CO3 layers and is related to kettnerite, CaBi(CO3)OF. It is light sensitive.
and for example is used as a filler in radiopaque catheter
s which can be seen by x-ray. In modern medicine, bismuth subcarbonate has been made into nanotube
arrays that exhibit antibacterial properties. It is also used in fireworks to make Dragon's eggs
. It is a constituent of milk of bismuth which was a popular digestive tract panacea
in the 1930s
Bismuth
Bismuth is a chemical element with symbol Bi and atomic number 83. Bismuth, a trivalent poor metal, chemically resembles arsenic and antimony. Elemental bismuth may occur naturally uncombined, although its sulfide and oxide form important commercial ores. The free element is 86% as dense as lead...
containing both oxide
Oxide
An oxide is a chemical compound that contains at least one oxygen atom in its chemical formula. Metal oxides typically contain an anion of oxygen in the oxidation state of −2....
and carbonate
Carbonate
In chemistry, a carbonate is a salt of carbonic acid, characterized by the presence of the carbonate ion, . The name may also mean an ester of carbonic acid, an organic compound containing the carbonate group C2....
anions. Bismuth is in the +3 oxidation state
Oxidation state
In chemistry, the oxidation state is an indicator of the degree of oxidation of an atom in a chemical compound. The formal oxidation state is the hypothetical charge that an atom would have if all bonds to atoms of different elements were 100% ionic. Oxidation states are typically represented by...
. Bismuth subcarbonate occurs naturally as the mineral bismutite. Its structure consists of Bi-O layers and CO3 layers and is related to kettnerite, CaBi(CO3)OF. It is light sensitive.
Uses
It is highly radiopaqueRadiodensity
Radiodensity refers to the relative inability of electromagnetic radiation, particularly X-rays, to pass through a particular material. Radiolucency indicates greater transparency or "transradiancy" to X-ray photons...
and for example is used as a filler in radiopaque catheter
Catheter
In medicine, a catheter is a tube that can be inserted into a body cavity, duct, or vessel. Catheters thereby allow drainage, administration of fluids or gases, or access by surgical instruments. The process of inserting a catheter is catheterization...
s which can be seen by x-ray. In modern medicine, bismuth subcarbonate has been made into nanotube
Inorganic nanotube
An inorganic nanotube is a cylindrical molecule often composed of metal oxides, and morphologically similar to a carbon nanotube. Inorganic nanotubes have been observed to occur naturally in some mineral deposits....
arrays that exhibit antibacterial properties. It is also used in fireworks to make Dragon's eggs
Dragon's eggs
Dragon's eggs are fireworks pyrotechnic stars which first burn for a period for a visual effect then explode with a loud report. Manufacture of this effect became controversial because of the heavy metals once used, particularly lead tetroxide...
. It is a constituent of milk of bismuth which was a popular digestive tract panacea
Panacea
In Greek mythology, Panacea was a goddess of healing. She was the daughter of Asclepius and Epione. Panacea and her five sisters each performed a facet of Apollo's art: Panacea was the goddess of cures, Iaso was the goddess of recuperation, Hygieia was the goddess of disease prevention, Aceso was...
in the 1930s