Bi
208.980Bismuth
Bizmut
Bismuth is a heavy post-transition metal with atomic number 83. It is known for bismuth subsalicylate, bismuth telluride thermoelectrics, low-melting alloys, colorful oxide crystals and extremely long-lived bismuth-209.
83
208.98 g/mol
[Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ 6s² 6p³
2 | 8 | 18 | 32 | 18 | 5
2.02
9.807 g/cm³
271.4 °C
1563.8 °C
Claude François Geoffroy
Bismuth was known to miners and metalworkers for centuries, but it was clearly distinguished from lead and tin in the 18th century. Its name likely comes from the German Wismut.
Bismuth-209
Natural abundance: 100%. Half-life: About 1.9 x 10¹⁹ years. Extremely long-lived alpha emitter, effectively stable for practical chemistry.Bismuth-213
Half-life: About 45.6 minutes. Artificial isotope studied for targeted alpha therapy.BiC₇H₅O₄·H₂O
Bismuth SubsalicylateActive ingredient in digestive medicines such as Pepto-Bismol.Bi₂Te₃
Bismuth TellurideThermoelectric material for Peltier coolers and waste-heat devices.BiVO₄
Bismuth VanadateBright yellow pigment and photocatalysis research material.Bi₂O₃
Bismuth(III) OxideGlass, ceramics, catalysts and electronic materials.- Bismuth subsalicylate in over-the-counter digestive medicines
- Bismuth telluride thermoelectric coolers and generators
- Low-melting alloys for fuses, fire sprinklers and special casting materials
- Bismuth vanadate yellow pigment as a safer alternative to some heavy-metal pigments
- Bismuth radioisotopes in targeted alpha therapy research
Bismuth has no essential biological role, but many bismuth compounds have relatively low toxicity compared with other heavy metals. Bismuth subsalicylate is used in digestive medicines.
- Bismuth-209 was long considered stable until its extremely slow alpha decay was measured.
- Bismuth expands slightly as it solidifies, a rare behavior among metals.
- Bismuth crystals can show rainbow colors because thin oxide layers create optical interference.
- Bismuth compounds often replace more toxic lead compounds in some applications.
- Bismuth has atomic number 83 and symbol Bi.
- Its electron configuration is [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ 6s² 6p³.
- The +3 oxidation state is most common; +5 is less stable because of the inert pair effect.
- Remember bismuth for subsalicylate medicine, Bi₂Te₃ thermoelectrics and long-lived Bi-209.
What is the atomic number of bismuth?
The atomic number of bismuth is 83.
What is the electron configuration of bismuth?
Bismuth has the electron configuration [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ 6s² 6p³.
What is bismuth used for?
Bismuth is used in digestive medicines, thermoelectric materials, low-melting alloys, pigments and research radioisotopes.
Is bismuth radioactive?
Natural bismuth is bismuth-209, which is an extremely long-lived alpha emitter and is effectively stable in ordinary chemistry.
What is bismuth subsalicylate?
Bismuth subsalicylate is a bismuth compound used in medicines for upset stomach and diarrhea symptoms.
Why are bismuth crystals colorful?
Thin oxide layers on bismuth crystals create interference colors, producing rainbow-like surfaces.