Material Safety Data Sheet: Bismuth Nitrate
1. Identification
Product Name: Bismuth Nitrate
SYNONYMS: Bismuth(III) nitrate pentahydrate, Bismuth trinitrate
CAS Number: 10361-44-1
Recommended Use: Laboratory chemicals, manufacturing of other chemicals, research and development
Manufacturer: Information available upon procurement
Emergency Contact: Refer to supplier’s emergency telephone number on the label or attached documents
2. Hazard Identification
Classification: Oxidizing solid (Category 3), Acute Toxicity - Oral (Category 4), Eye Damage/Irritation (Category 2A)
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: May intensify fire; oxidizer. Harmful if swallowed. Causes serious eye irritation.
Pictograms: Flame over circle, exclamation mark
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin, eyes
Precautionary Statements: Keep away from heat and combustible material. Avoid breathing dust. Wash thoroughly after handling. Wear protective gloves, eye protection, and clothing.
3. Composition / Information on Ingredients
Chemical Name: Bismuth Nitrate
CAS Number: 10361-44-1
Purity: typical 98-100%
Molecular Formula: Bi(NO3)3 · 5H2O
Molecular Weight: 485.07 g/mol
No known impurities or additives contributing to hazard classification.
4. First Aid Measures
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with generous amounts of water. Seek medical help if irritation persists.
Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with water for at least 15 minutes. Lift eyelids to assure thorough flushing. Seek medical attention promptly.
Inhalation: Move to fresh air. If symptoms persist, get medical attention.
Ingestion: Rinse out mouth, never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Seek immediate medical advice.
Most Important Effects: Irritation, systemic toxicity possible after significant exposure.
5. Fire-Fighting Measures
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder, or foam for small fires.
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Water jet may spread fire.
Hazards from Combustion: Nitrogen oxides, bismuth oxides form during combustion.
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus with full protective gear.
Special Procedures: Cool containers with water spray; material supports combustion and intensifies fire.
Explosion Hazard: May release irritating, toxic fumes upon thermal decomposition.
6. Accidental Release Measures
Personal Precautions: Evacuate area. Ventilate affected area. Use proper PPE, including gloves and goggles.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spillage from entering drains or watercourses.
Containment Methods: Sweep up and shovel material carefully; avoid dust formation.
Clean-Up Procedures: Dispose using sealed containers suitable for hazardous chemicals. Wash area with copious water to remove residues.
7. Handling and Storage
Handling: Avoid ingestion, inhalation, and contact with skin and eyes. Use in well-ventilated space or fume hood. Do not handle near heat, flames, or organic materials.
Storage: Store tightly closed in cool, dry, well-ventilated place. Keep away from combustible materials and reducing agents. Store in original container clearly labeled.
Incompatible Materials: Strong reducing agents, organic materials, combustible substances.
8. Exposure Controls and Personal Protection
Occupational Exposure Limits: No established exposure limits for Bismuth nitrate. Keep exposure as low as possible.
Engineering Controls: Work under a chemical fume hood for dust control and ventilation.
Personal Protective Equipment:
Eye/Face: Chemical safety goggles.
Skin: Lab coat, impervious gloves, protective boots if risk of contact is significant.
Respiratory: Use NIOSH-approved dust mask or respirator if dust exposure is possible.
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Remove contaminated clothing promptly.
9. Physical and Chemical Properties
Appearance: White to faintly yellow crystalline solid
Odor: Odorless
Odor Threshold: Not applicable
pH: Acidic in solution
Melting Point: Decomposes above 30 °C
Boiling Point: Not available (decomposes)
Flash Point: Not flammable
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Flammability: Non-combustible, but oxidizing
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Relative Density: Approximately 2.82 g/cm³
Solubility: Soluble in water, nitric acid
Partition Coefficient: Not determined
Auto-ignition Temperature: Not applicable
Decomposition Temperature: Above 30 °C
Viscosity: Not applicable
10. Stability and Reactivity
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions; decomposes on exposure to high temperature or moisture.
Conditions to Avoid: Avoid heat, humidity, direct sunlight, incompatible materials.
Incompatible Materials: Strong reducing agents, combustible materials, organic chemicals.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Nitrogen oxides, bismuth oxide, toxic metal fumes.
Reactivity: Reacts with organic materials and reducing agents; oxidizes readily.
11. Toxicological Information
Acute Toxicity: Harmful if swallowed, irritant to eyes and skin
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: May cause irritation
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: Causes serious eye irritation
Respiratory Sensitization: Data lacking; Bismuth salts not common sensitizers
Chronic Effects: Prolonged exposure could cause kidney and liver damage
Ingestion Hazards: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain possible
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as a carcinogen by IARC, NTP, OSHA
Mutagenicity: No significant data available
Reproductive Toxicity: No definite evidence in humans
Target Organs: Gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, liver
12. Ecological Information
Ecotoxicity: Harmful to aquatic life due to nitrate content; potential to contribute to eutrophication and harm aquatic organisms in larger releases.
Persistence and Degradability: Does not readily degrade; metal ions persist in the environment.
Bioaccumulative Potential: Bismuth compounds show low bioaccumulation in most organisms.
Mobility in Soil: Highly soluble, migrates into groundwater.
Other Adverse Effects: Elevated levels may disrupt aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.
13. Disposal Considerations
Waste Disposal Methods: Dispose in compliance with local, regional, and national regulations. Small quantities can be dissolved and neutralized by qualified personnel.
Contaminated Packaging: Empty containers should be rinsed and disposed as hazardous waste.
Special Precautions: Never release into water courses, soil, or sewer. Consult local environmental authority to determine best practices.
14. Transport Information
UN Number: UN 1469
Proper Shipping Name: Bismuth nitrate
Transport Hazard Class: 5.1 (Oxidizer)
Packing Group: III
Special Precautions for User: Keep away from sources of ignition and incompatible materials. Make sure package is properly labeled.
Environmental Hazards: Marine pollutant, consult transport authority for requirements.
Transport in Bulk: Not usually transported in bulk; follow IMDG, ADR, ICAO/IATA regulations.
15. Regulatory Information
TSCA Inventory: Listed.
REACH Status: Registered or exempt.
SARA 313: Not listed.
California Proposition 65: Not listed as causing cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
Labeling Requirements: Clearly marked hazard and precautionary statements are required. Safety training for handling oxidizers is essential.
Other Regulatory Notes: Employers must train staff about risks and proper safety practices. Ensure compliance with workplace safety regulations and local chemical codes.
