Material Safety Data Sheet: Bismuth Nitrate

Identification

Product Name: Bismuth Nitrate
Chemical Formula: Bi(NO₃)₃·5H₂O
Synonyms: Bismuth(III) nitrate pentahydrate, Nitric acid bismuth(3+) salt pentahydrate
CAS Number: 10035-06-0
Company Details: Supplier and manufacturer details listed on packaging; always double-check supplier’s emergency contact information prior to handling large quantities.
Recommended Use: Used in laboratory analysis, chemical synthesis, and as a reagent for organic transformations.

Hazard Identification

Hazard Class: Classified as an oxidizer, can intensify fire if involved.
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: May cause eye, skin, and respiratory tract irritation. Dust or solution contact can trigger unpleasant health symptoms. Hazardous to aquatic environments in larger doses.
Pictograms: Exclamation mark, oxidizer symbol, environment
Precautionary Statements: Avoid inhaling dust or fumes. Use only in a well-ventilated or controlled space. Always prevent contamination of food or water sources.

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Identity: Bismuth(III) nitrate pentahydrate
Concentration: 99% or greater for laboratory-grade product
Impurities: Trace nitrates from synthesis, unspecified negligible impurities depending on the grade

First Aid Measures

Eye Contact: Flush eyes thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, lifting eyelids occasionally. Seek immediate medical advice.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing and wash skin thoroughly with soap and water. If irritation develops, consult a physician.
Inhalation: Remove person to fresh air right away. If breathing concerns, seek medical attention. Provide artificial respiration if person has stopped breathing.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water; seek medical help as soon as possible. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by medical personnel.

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, CO₂, or foam. Do not use water jet.
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Avoid high-pressure water streams; can cause spattering.
Fire Hazards: Strong oxidizing action supports combustion. Nitrogen oxides and bismuth oxides may form under inconsistent fire temperatures.
Protective Equipment: Firefighters need full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus.
Advice for Firefighters: Move containers from the area if safe to do so. Use water spray to cool adjacent surfaces in danger of burning.

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Evacuate unnecessary personnel, ventilate affected area, and avoid dust formation.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage if possible. Avoid discharge into the environment; block run-off entering water sources.
Methods for Clean-Up: Scoop up solid and place in labeled, sealable waste containers for proper disposal. Use damp cloth for fine particulates. Wash spill area thoroughly once all material removed.
Special Protective Tools: Use gloves, safety glasses, and a respirator if dusting occurs.

Handling and Storage

Safe Handling: Handle with chemical-resistant gloves, splash goggles, and dust mask or respirator. Wash hands after handling, and avoid eating or drinking nearby.
Storage: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated facility. Keep tightly closed containers away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and incompatible materials like reducing agents, combustibles, and organic matter.
Special Precautions: Secure chemical containers to prevent accidental tipping or breakage; use secondary containment if possible.

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No established OSHA PEL for bismuth nitrate; minimize dust production to reduce chronic exposure risk.
Engineering Controls: Use fume hood or adequate local exhaust ventilation; avoid open handling if possible.
Personal Protection: Wear safety goggles, chemical-resistant gloves, and lab coats. If airborne dust is present, use a NIOSH-approved particulate respirator.
Hygiene Measures: Remove contaminated clothing and wash skin thoroughly before breaks and at end of shift.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White or faintly yellow crystalline solid
Odor: Slightly acidic
pH: Acidic in solution
Melting Point: Decomposes on heating, does not have a clear melting point
Solubility: Soluble in water and mineral acids
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes)
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Density: About 2.8 g/cm³
Key Reactivity: Strong oxidizer, reacts with reducing agents and organics

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended handling and storage conditions.
Conditions to Avoid: Exposure to heat, open flames, or incompatible chemicals causes hazardous decomposition.
Incompatible Materials: Reducing agents, organic materials, strong bases, and combustible substances.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Can produce toxic nitrogen oxides and bismuth oxides during fire or decomposition.
Hazardous Reactions: Oxidizing powder; reacts violently with strong reductants.

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Ingestion, inhalation, or direct skin/eye exposure can cause irritation, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or abdominal pain.
Chronic Exposure: Repeated exposure may lead to kidney and liver effects due to bismuth accumulation. Respiratory tract irritation possible with dust exposure.
Symptoms of Exposure: Gastrointestinal upset, headache, skin redness or eye discomfort.
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as a carcinogen by NTP, IARC, or OSHA.
Other Data: Individuals with pre-existing skin or kidney conditions may experience worsened effects.

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Bismuth compounds may be toxic to aquatic organisms at elevated levels. Run-off can build up over time, posing risk to fish and invertebrates.
Persistence: Bismuth nitrate breaks down slowly in water; nitrates may contribute to eutrophication in large spills.
Bioaccumulation: Potential for accumulation in terrestrial or aquatic organisms is low, but chronic run-off should be prevented.
Mobility: Dissolves readily in water, can travel through soil and aquifers.
Degradability: Not considered readily biodegradable.

Disposal Considerations

Disposal Methods: Dispose in accordance with local, regional, and national environmental regulations. Use hazardous waste disposal services—do not pour down drains.
Container Handling: Triple-rinse empty containers with water before recycling or disposal as hazardous waste.
Precautions for Disposal: Incinerate only in appropriate facilities with pollution control. Prevent leaching from landfill sites by using approved containment.

Transport Information

UN Number: 2725
Proper Shipping Name: Bismuth Nitrate
Transport Hazard Class: 5.1 (Oxidizing substances)
Packing Group: III
Shipping Labels: Oxidizer
Transport Precautions: Protect from moisture and direct sunlight during transit. Avoid container breakage during loading or unloading.

Regulatory Information

Regulations: Subject to reporting and control regulations in many countries for oxidizing chemicals and nitrate salts.
Inventory Listing: Component listed in TSCA (US), EINECS (EU), DSL (Canada), and similar inventories.
Hazard Classification: OSHA-defined hazardous chemical. CLP/GHS-labeled as oxidizing agent and irritant.
SARA Title III: Not listed as an extremely hazardous substance, but workplace exposure, release, or disposal may trigger reporting to regulatory agencies.
Workplace Controls: Comply with local occupational health standards; provide safety training and hazard communication for staff.