Material Safety Data Sheet: Bismuth Subcitrate

Identification

Product Name: Bismuth Subcitrate
Chemical Formula: C6H6BiO7
CAS Number: 7242-76-8
Synonyms: Bismuth citrate; Tripotassium dicitratobismuthate
Intended Use: Pharmaceutical excipient, gastrointestinal treatments
Supplier Name: Manufacturer or distributor contact info
Emergency Contact: National Poison Control Center or local medical emergency number

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous according to GHS criteria
Signal Word: None
Pictograms: None required
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin, and eye contact
Potential Health Effects: Can cause mild gastrointestinal disturbance if swallowed; dust may irritate respiratory tract, skin, or eyes on contact
Chronic Effects: Prolonged exposure could trigger kidney complications or neurological symptoms if absorbed in large quantities
Environmental Hazards: Limited data suggests low risk for aquatic life but persistent accumulation may not be fully understood

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Identity: Bismuth Subcitrate
Concentration: ≥ 98% pure
Impurities: Trace levels of potassium citrate and residual starting materials from synthesis, below 0.5% each
Other Ingredients: No additives or solvents in typical commercial product

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air, monitor for breathing difficulty and seek medical advice if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Wash skin thoroughly with water and soap; remove contaminated clothing
Eye Contact: Flush eyes with plenty of water for several minutes, consult a physician if irritation remains
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, do not induce vomiting; seek medical attention if large amounts are consumed or symptoms develop

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, foam, or CO2
Unsuitable Media: Strong water jets directly on product pile may cause dispersion of dust
Combustion Hazards: Product itself does not readily burn, toxic bismuth or potassium oxides may develop if exposed to extreme heat
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should use standard protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus to avoid inhaling fumes
Specific Hazards: Avoid breathing any thermal decomposition products

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Use dust mask or respirator, gloves, and protective eyewear to avoid direct contact and inhalation
Environmental Precautions: Prevent powder from entering drains or waterways
Clean-Up Methods: Sweep up carefully without creating dust; place residue in sealed, labeled containers for later disposal
Decontamination: Rinse minor residues with water and collect washings as waste

Handling and Storage

Handling: Minimize dust generation, use with adequate ventilation or extraction, avoid direct contact with skin and eyes
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly after handling, do not eat or drink around the product
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from strong acids or bases
Compatibility: Separate from incompatible substances like strong oxidizers or acids

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No established ACGIH or OSHA limits for bismuth subcitrate, but maintain exposure as low as reasonably achievable
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust or process enclosures when transferring bulk powder
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear protective gloves, safety goggles, and lab coats; use an approved respirator if dust levels become significant
Hygiene: Remove contaminated clothing before leaving work area; use handwashing facilities nearby

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White to off-white, odorless crystalline powder
Molecular Weight: 704.15 g/mol
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water
Melting Point: Decomposes at high temperatures rather than melting sharply
pH: 2-5 (as aqueous suspension)
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Flash Point: Not flammable
Vapor Pressure: Negligible
Density: Around 3.2 g/cm³
Other Properties: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions, non-volatile

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable at room temperature and standard pressure
Conditions to Avoid: Avoid moisture and exposure to acids or strong bases
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, mineral acids, reducing agents
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Possible release of bismuth oxides, potassium oxides, and carbon oxides under extreme heat
Polymerization: Will not occur spontaneously

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 has not been precisely established; expected to be low due to poor absorption
Skin/Eye Irritation: Mild irritant in sensitive individuals
Respiratory Sensitization: Dust may cause coughing or irritation but no chronic pulmonary toxicity reported at low exposures
Chronic Toxicity: Long-term exposure or high dosages may increase bismuth levels in the blood which could impact renal and nervous system function; cases are rare
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic by IARC, OSHA, or NTP
Other Effects: High doses may cause reversible blue-black gum discoloration due to bismuth deposition

Ecological Information

Eco-Toxicity: Limited studies available; not acutely toxic to aquatic or terrestrial life at environmental concentrations expected from pharmaceutical use
Persistence and Degradability: Not readily biodegradable; may persist in soil and water in ionic or particulate form
Bioaccumulation Potential: Bismuth compounds show low potential for bioaccumulation in food chains
Mobility in Soil: Limited mobility; tends to bind to soil minerals or organic matter

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Collect and transfer to licensed chemical disposal facility, following local, state, and federal guidelines
Container Disposal: Rinse empty containers, then dispose with standard chemical waste to prevent unauthorized reuse
Precautions: Do not dispose into household waste or natural water sources

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated for transport as a hazardous material
Proper Shipping Name: Bismuth subcitrate
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified
Packing Group: Not assigned
Environmental Hazards: Not considered a marine pollutant
Special Transport Precautions: Store container tightly closed, protected from moisture and excessive movement in transit

Regulatory Information

TSCA: Listed on Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) inventory for the United States
REACH: Pre-registered or exempt under REACH for EU manufacture and import
OSHA: Does not appear on specifically regulated hazardous chemicals lists
SARA: Not subject to reporting under Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act
Known Regulatory Listings: Check all local and national inventories as requirements vary globally; product may be labeled as a pharmaceutical in some regions