Bismuth Nitrate (R5954)

BISMUTH NITRATE

Bismuth(III) nitrate is a salt composed of bismuth in its cationic +3 oxidation state and nitrate anions. The most common solid form is the pentahydrate. It is used in the synthesis of other bismuth compounds. It is available commercially. It is the only nitrate salt formed by a group 15 element, indicative of bismuth's metallic nature.

Bismuth nitrate is obtained from metallic bismuth and is soluble in acids but insoluble in water. Impurities are arsenic, lead and silver carbonates.

It gives a pearly luster to glazes and glasses, especially in reduction firing (light reduction). It is an ingredient in luster colors. It is a very very strong flux. Bismuth oxide contains 100% of the oxide while this is only 75 %.