Bismuttrichlorid

synthetischeBismuth chloride may be synthesized directly by passing chlorine over bismuth. Alternatively, the chloride salt may be prepared by adding hydrochloric acid to basic bismuth chloride and evaporating the solution:Bi(OH)2Cl + 2HCl → BiCl3 + 2H2OAlso, the compound can be prepared by dissolving bismuth in concentrated nitric acid and then adding solid sodium chloride into this solution. Another method of preparation is treating the metal with concentrated hydrochloric acid:2Bi + 6HCl → 2BiCl3 + 3H2.

DefinitionBismuth trichloride is a white deliquescent solid. It can be prepared by direct combination of bismuth and chlorine. Bismuth(III) chloride dissolves in excess dilute hydrochloric acid to form a clear liquid, but if diluted it produces a white precipitate of bismuth(III) chloride oxide (bismuthyl chloride, BiOCl): BiCl3 + H2O = BiOCl + 2HCl This reaction is often used as an exam ple of a reversible reaction and as a confirmatory test for bismuth during quantitative analysis. Bismuth(V) chloride does not form.