Bismuth (Bi)
| Atomic Number | 83 |
|---|---|
| Atomic Mass | 208.980401 u |
| Category | Post-transition metal |
| Electron Config | [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ 6s² 6p³ |
| Appearance | lustrous silver |
| Density (STP) | 9780 g/L |
| Melting Point | 544.7 K |
| Boiling Point | 1837 K |
| Electronegativity | 2.02 (Pauling) |
| Ionization Energy | 703 kJ/mol |
| Atomic Radius | 160 pm |
| Crystal Structure | Base-centered Monoclinic |
| Discovered By | Claude François Geoffroy (1400) |
Brief Introduction
Bismuth (Bi) is a brittle, crystalline, silvery-white post-transition metal with a pinkish tinge. It is the most naturally diamagnetic element and has one of the lowest thermal conductivities among metals. Key details about Bismuth (Bi) are as follows:
Uses: Used in pharmaceuticals (Pepto-Bismol), cosmetics (pigments), low-melting alloys (fire sprinklers, fuses), and as a non-toxic replacement for lead in shot, solder, and fishing sinkers.
Production/Extraction: Extracted as a byproduct of lead, copper, tin, and tungsten refining. China dominates global production. Can also be mined from bismuthinite and bismite.
History: Known since ancient times but confused with lead and tin. Identified as a distinct element by Claude Geoffroy the Younger in 1753. Name from German "Wismut" (white mass).
Health Effects & Safety: Remarkably low toxicity for a heavy metal (much less toxic than its neighbors lead, thallium, and antimony). Generally considered safe in pharmaceutical applications.
Price/Market: Price influenced by substitution for lead (regulations driving demand) and supply from China. Market is relatively small but growing for green applications.
Properties: Brittle, expands upon solidification (like water), highly diamagnetic, poor thermal conductor, low melting point (271.4°C), and burns with a blue flame.
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