Material Safety Data Sheet: Bismuth Nitrite

Identification

Product Name: Bismuth Nitrite
Chemical Formula: Bi(NO₂)₃
Synonyms: Nitrous acid, bismuth(3+) salt
CAS Number: 13465-98-8
Manufacturer: Contact appropriate chemical supplier
Use: Laboratory reagents, specialty alloys, pyrotechnic applications
Contact Information: Emergency phone number and commercial supplier address must be used for immediate assistance regarding transport or incidents.

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Oxidizing solids (Category 2), Acute toxicity (Category 4, Oral), Skin irritation (Category 2), Eye irritation (Category 2A), Specific target organ toxicity - repeated exposure (Category 2)
Hazard Pictograms: Flame over circle, exclamation mark
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: May intensify fire (oxidizer). Harmful if swallowed. Causes skin and eye irritation. May cause damage to organs through prolonged exposure.
Precautionary Statements: Avoid inhalation and contact with skin or eyes. Do not eat, drink, or smoke when using material. Keep away from heat and incompatible materials.

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Bismuth Nitrite: >99% (CAS: 13465-98-8)
Impurities: Trace amounts of bismuth oxide, nitrate salts, insoluble particulate (<0.5%)
Molecular Weight: 394 g/mol
Description: Pale yellow to off-white powder, slightly hygroscopic

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove exposed individual to fresh air immediately. Seek medical attention if breathing becomes difficult or if symptoms of respiratory irritation persist.
Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with plenty of running water and mild soap for 15 minutes. Remove contaminated clothing and launder before reuse.
Eye Contact: Rinse eye cautiously with water for 15 minutes, lifting both upper and lower lids. Remove contact lenses if present.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth. Drink water to dilute material. Do not induce vomiting. Get prompt medical attention.
Acute Delayed Symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, headache, nausea, skin redness, coughing. Seek medical advice if symptoms do not resolve.

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Large volumes of water or water spray. Do not use dry chemical extinguishers or carbon dioxide.
Special Hazards: Can accelerate combustion of other materials. Decomposition releases toxic nitrous gases and bismuth oxides.
Firefighter Precautions: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear. Approach fire from upwind to avoid fumes.
Thermal Decomposition: Releases NO, NO₂, and Bi₂O₃.
Explosion Risk: Not easily detonated, but contact with organic or combustible substances may cause violent reaction.

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Use chemical splash goggles, gloves, and a properly fitted NIOSH/MSHA-approved respirator for dust.
Environmental Precautions: Keep material away from drainage systems and surface waters. Prevent release to environment.
Containment: Collect spilled powder with non-sparking, non-combustible tools. Place in a labeled, sealed container.
Cleanup Methods: Sweep up material carefully, taking care not to generate dust. Wash area with large volumes of water and neutralizing solution.
Disposal: Dispose of collected material through registered disposal contractor. Flush small residues in compliance with local regulations.

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use fume hood and wear protective equipment. Avoid inhalation and exposure to skin or eyes. Do not handle near incompatible materials including reducing agents, organic solvents, finely divided metals, or any combustible material. Protect from sources of ignition.
Storage: Store in tightly closed, corrosion-resistant containers. Keep container in a cool, dry, well-ventilated facility designated for oxidizing materials. Protect from sunlight, moisture, and heat. Label area clearly to indicate hazard classification.
Incompatibilities: Reducing agents, organic substances, acids, finely divided metals, ammonium salts.

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: Use process enclosures, local exhaust ventilation, or other controls to keep airborne levels low.
Personal Protection: Wear safety goggles, nitrile or butyl gloves, long-sleeved laboratory coat. Use NIOSH/MSHA-approved respirator where dust exposure risk exists.
Exposure Limits: No occupational exposure limit established for this compound; treat as a particulate not otherwise classified (ACGIH TLV 10 mg/m³ total dust).
Hygiene: Avoid eating, drinking, smoking, or storing food in work area. Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Environmental Control: Prevent release into environment by using proper storage and handling practices.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Pale yellow to white crystalline powder
Odor: Odorless
Odor Threshold: Not applicable
pH: Slightly alkaline in solution
Melting Point: Decomposes on heating; does not melt cleanly
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes)
Flash Point: Not flammable
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Explosive Properties: Oxidizer–enhances burning of combustibles
Oxidizing Properties: Strong oxidizer
Vapor Pressure: Not determined
Density: 6.8–7.3 g/cm³
Solubility: Slowly soluble in water, readily in dilute nitric acid
Partition Coefficient: Not determined
Auto-ignition Temperature: Not self-igniting
Decomposition Temperature: 200–250°C (releases NO_x)

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable in tightly closed containers under ambient conditions.
Reactivity: Readily reacts with strong reducing agents and organic materials. Sensitive to shock and friction when contaminated.
Conditions to Avoid: Exposure to heat, sunlight, moisture, and incompatible substances.
Incompatible Materials: Organic compounds, powdered metals, strong acids, ammonium salts.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Bismuth oxides, nitrogen oxides (NO, NO₂).
Hazardous Reactions: Violent exothermic reactions possible with reducing agents or combustibles.

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: LD50 (oral, rat): estimated 300–2000 mg/kg.
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Causes skin irritation; redness and discomfort reported.
Serious Eye Damage/Eye Irritation: Severe irritation and lachrymation upon contact.
Respiratory Sensitization: Dust can irritate mucous membranes and airways; coughing, sneezing, shortness of breath.
Chronic Effects: Prolonged or repeated exposure can affect kidney function, nervous system, and blood.
Carcinogenicity: No evidence for carcinogenicity in bismuth compounds; not listed by IARC, NTP, or OSHA.
Mutagenicity and Reproductive Toxicity: No data available for mutagenic or reproductive hazards in standard animal studies.

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Bismuth nitrite is moderately toxic to aquatic organisms. Nitrite anions contribute to eutrophication and can be toxic to fish and amphibians.
Persistence and Degradability: Nitrite ions degrade in the environment but can cause local nutrient imbalance.
Bioaccumulative Potential: Bismuth has low bioaccumulation in mammals, but aquatic uptake may be significant.
Mobility in Soil: Nitrite may leach into groundwater; bismuth ions tend to bind to soil and sediments.
Other Adverse Effects: No significant ozone depletion or photochemical reactivity reported.

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Collect waste in clearly labeled containers. Avoid mixing with organic or combustible waste streams.
Disposal: Dispose of through licensed hazardous waste facility. Do not discard into domestic refusals, surface water, or general landfill.
Contaminated Packaging: Containers must be triple-rinsed and managed as hazardous waste.
Additional Considerations: Abide by all local, regional, and national regulations.

Transport Information

UN Number: 1479
Proper Shipping Name: Oxidizing solid, n.o.s. (contains bismuth nitrite)
Transport Hazard Class: 5.1 (Oxidizer)
Packing Group: II
Labeling: 5.1 (yellow oxidizer diamond label)
Environmental Hazards: Marine pollutant (nitrite component)
Special Precautions: Emergency response guide: avoid spillage and fire risk during transit; inspect containers for leaks or corrosion before and after transport.
Regulatory Compliance: International Air Transport Association (IATA), International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG), and US DOT regulations must be strictly followed.

Regulatory Information

TSCA: Listed on the US Toxic Substances Control Act inventory.
DSL/NDSL (Canada): Meets criteria for new chemicals assessment.
REACH (EU): Subject to registration and reporting requirements.
SARA Title III: Not classified as an extremely hazardous substance, but reportable quantities apply for nitrite compounds.
WHMIS Classification: Class C Oxidizing Material, D2B Toxic Material Causing Other Toxic Effects
Other Regulations: Clean Water Act discharge limits, OSHA workplace exposure obligations, state and municipal environmental controls.