Bismuth carboxylates (CAS: varies by compound) are organometallic complexes where bisBISMUTH CARBOXYLATEmuth (Bi³⁺) is coordinated to carboxylate anions (RCOO⁻).
These compounds, also known as bismuth alkanoates or bismuth(III) carboxylates, exhibit diverse structural motifs, low toxicity, and applications in medicine (e.g., antimicrobial agents like bismuth subsalicylate, CAS: 14882-18-9), catalysis, and materials science.
This review systematically covers synthetic methods, structural properties, thermal behavior, solubility, and applications in pharmaceuticals, organic synthesis, and nanomaterials.
Emerging trends, such as bismuth-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and nanoparticle precursors, are also discussed.
CAS: 14882-18-9
Synonyms:
Bismuth carboxylates, bismuth(III) alkanoates, antimicrobial agents, Lewis acid catalysis, bismuth oxide precursors
Introduction
Bismuth carboxylates (general formula: Bi(OOCR)₃, where R = alkyl, aryl, or heterocyclic group) are a subclass of organobismuth compounds.
Due to bismuth’s low toxicity (compared to other heavy metals) and versatile coordination chemistry, these compounds are used in:
Medicine: E.g., bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol®, CAS: 14882-18-9) for gastrointestinal disorders.
Catalysis: As Lewis acids in esterification and C–C coupling.
Materials Science: Precursors for Bi₂O₃ nanoparticles (CAS: 1304-76-3).
Synonyms and Nomenclature
Bismuth(III) acetate (CAS: 22306-37-2)
Bismuth(III) stearate (CAS: 7047-76-7)
Bismuth subsalicylate (CAS: 14882-18-9)
Bismuth citrate (CAS: 813-93-4)
Synthesis of Bismuth Carboxylates
Direct Reaction of Bismuth Salts with Carboxylic Acids
Example: Synthesis of bismuth(III) acetate (CAS: 22306-37-2):
Conditions: Room temperature, ethanol/water solvent.
Byproduct Control: HNO₃ is removed under vacuum.
Solvent: Toluene or hexane.
Purification: Washing with water to remove NaCl.
Advanced Methods
Solvothermal Synthesis: For crystalline bismuth 2-ethylhexanoate (CAS: 67874-71-9) at 150°C.
Microwave-Assisted Synthesis: Rapid formation of bismuth citrate (CAS: 813-93-4) in minutes.
Structural Characteristics
Monomeric vs. Polymeric Structures
Compound (CAS) Coordination Geometry Structure Type
Bismuth(III) acetate (22306-37-2) 6-coordinate, octahedral Chain polymer
Bismuth(III) benzoate (5332-25-2) 8-coordinate, square antiprismatic Dimeric
Ligand Effects
Aliphatic Carboxylates (e.g., stearate): Form lamellar structures.
Aromatic Carboxylates (e.g., benzoate): Favor π-stacking.
Physicochemical Properties
Thermal Properties
Compound (CAS) Decomposition Temp. (°C) Product
Bismuth(III) acetate (22306-37-2) 160–200 Bi₂O₃
Bismuth subsalicylate (14882-18-9) 250 Bi₂O₃ + CO₂
Solubility
Polar Solvents: Acetates (e.g., Bi(OAc)₃) soluble in acetic acid.
Nonpolar Solvents: Stearates (e.g., Bi(C₁₇H₃₅COO)₃) soluble in hexane.
Applications
Medicinal Uses
Compound (CAS) Application Trade Name
Bismuth subsalicylate (14882-18-9) Anti-diarrheal Pepto-Bismol®
Bismuth citrate (813-93-4) H. pylori treatment De-Nol®
Catalysis
Esterification: Bismuth(III) triflate (CAS: 88189-03-1) for biodiesel production.
Oxidation: Bismuth(III) nitrate (CAS: 10361-44-1) in alkene epoxidation.
Materials Science
Bi₂O₃ Nanoparticles: From bismuth 2-ethylhexanoate (CAS: 67874-71-9).
Bismuth-Based MOFs: For gas storage (e.g., Bi-BTC, CAS: 100728-80-5).
Recent Advances
Drug Delivery: Bismuth carboxylate-loaded micelles (e.g., Bi(III)-DMSA, CAS: 30455-73-5).
Photocatalysis: BiOI from bismuth(III) iodide (CAS: 7787-64-6) + carboxylates.
Conclusion
Bismuth carboxylates bridge medicine, catalysis, and nanotechnology.
Future work should optimize low-cost synthesis and explore hybrid materials.
SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT BISMUTH CARBOXYLATE
First aid measures:
Description of first aid measures:
General advice:
Consult a physician.
Show this safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
Move out of dangerous area:
If inhaled:
If breathed in, move person into fresh air.
If not breathing, give artificial respiration.
Consult a physician.
In case of skin contact:
Take off contaminated clothing and shoes immediately.
Wash off with soap and plenty of water.
Consult a physician.
In case of eye contact:
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and consult a physician.
Continue rinsing eyes during transport to hospital.
If swallowed:
Do NOT induce vomiting.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Rinse mouth with water.
Consult a physician.
Firefighting measures:
Extinguishing media:
Suitable extinguishing media:
Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas
Advice for firefighters:
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
Accidental release measures:
Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
Use personal protective equipment.
Avoid breathing vapours, mist or gas.
Evacuate personnel to safe areas.
Environmental precautions:
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Soak up with inert absorbent material and dispose of as hazardous waste.
Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
Handling and storage:
Precautions for safe handling:
Avoid inhalation of vapour or mist.
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.
Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.
Storage class (TRGS 510): 8A: Combustible, corrosive hazardous materials
Exposure controls/personal protection:
Control parameters:
Components with workplace control parameters
Contains no substances with occupational exposure limit values.
Exposure controls:
Appropriate engineering controls:
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice.
Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.
Personal protective equipment:
Eye/face protection:
Tightly fitting safety goggles.
Faceshield (8-inch minimum).
Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
Skin protection:
Handle with gloves.
Gloves must be inspected prior to use.
Use proper glove
removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product.
Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices.
Wash and dry hands.
Full contact:
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
Splash contact
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
It should not be construed as offering an approval for any specific use scenario.
Body Protection:
Complete suit protecting against chemicals, The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.
Respiratory protection:
Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a fullface respirator with multi-purpose combination (US) or type ABEK (EN 14387) respirator cartridges as a backup to engineering controls.
If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a full-face supplied air respirator.
Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).
Control of environmental exposure
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Stability and reactivity:
Chemical stability:
Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidizing agents:
Hazardous decomposition products:
Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions.
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas.
Disposal considerations:
Waste treatment methods:
Product:
Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company.
Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material.
Contaminated packaging:
Dispose of as unused product