Potassium Bismuth Citrate stands out through its unique blend of bismuth, potassium, and citric acid derivatives, carrying the molecular formula C6H5BiK2O9. This chemical shows up as a white or slightly off-white powder, occasionally forming tiny crystal clusters or soft flakes. Its crystalline layers sparkle, suggesting purity and tightly bound molecular structure. Those working in labs spot its slight pearlescent shimmer under light, and its gently chalky odor feels familiar to anyone handling bismuth-based materials.
This raw material comes across as highly stable in solid form, resisting breakdown and avoiding clumping under most storage conditions. Potassium Bismuth Citrate exhibits low solubility in water but reacts best under mildly acidic pH, demonstrating the ionic interplay between bismuth and citric acid. The density usually ranges from 2.6 to 2.9 g/cm³, so handling the material requires care; spills on counters or glassware stay visible and easy to collect, but misuse could lead to dust in the air. Chemically, it steers clear of moisture absorption under common lab settings, retaining its mass without turning sticky or humidity-softened — a welcome property for anyone managing an inventory where consistency is key.
Material ships out either in fine powder, dry pearl-like granules, or infrequently as pressed flakes, based on the synthesis and drying process. Each form shares the main property: hard, inert, and odorless to most users. Standard packaging in drum barrels or secure bags reduces exposure and loss of texture, so identification and weighing remain simple. Crystal fractions may shine under inspection, with a hardness that refuses breaking under gentle pressure. As a chemical solid, Potassium Bismuth Citrate lacks any oily residue, nor does it form liquid suspensions at room temperature.
Industry listings put Potassium Bismuth Citrate under HS Code 283650 for customs and compliance. Average technical specification sets the molecular weight at 601.1 g/mol. Purity runs at 97% or higher in pharmaceutical and laboratory grade. To verify the presence of key ions, spectrometric data confirms each batch carries both bismuth and potassium cations with minimal residual citric acid, keeping quality consistent across international shipments.
Safe handling policy comes down to basic chemical hygiene. Potassium Bismuth Citrate does not ignite, nor does it readily decompose near lab heat sources. Inhalation of powder may cause mild discomfort, especially for those working around open benchtops or ventilation gaps, so gloves and a mask protect users well. Reports of acute toxicity are rare — toxicity tests show no major harmful effects at exposure levels well above common lab work, but long-term dust inhalation or direct skin exposure risks irritation. Storage demands a cool, dry environment, away from food or drink, since accidental ingestion, though unlikely, calls for medical attention. Chemical disposal aligns with local hazardous waste policies for inorganic solids, ensuring community safety and environment protection.
Labs and industry groups source Potassium Bismuth Citrate for controlled chemical synthesis, catalytic research, and in specific pharmaceutical production processes. Handling crystal or powder form allows for fast weighing and direct addition to reaction vessels, making the workflow more efficient. The relatively high density encourages careful dosing to avoid overuse, reducing waste from each batch. Manufacturing teams treat this material as a key raw input, storing it away from moisture and incompatible substances, like strong acids, that might react exothermically or break down the compound. As a solid raw material, no part of Potassium Bismuth Citrate vaporizes at normal lab conditions, and so no special exhaust ventilation is necessary.
Those who have worked in synthesis labs know the risks that come from poor storage: even small changes to density or crystal integrity disrupt measurements, causing headaches later on. Potassium Bismuth Citrate, thanks to its inertness and tendency to form granular or crystalline solid, lends itself well to accurate handling and mixing. Its clearly defined physical state improves shelf life, eases logistics, and reassures procurement teams about reliability. This is not a reagent for casual use; it rewards practitioners who pay attention to chain of custody, weighing protocols, and batch tracking.
Chemical incident logs don’t list Potassium Bismuth Citrate as highly hazardous, though all fine powders share some risk if inhaled. Minor particulate emission, as seen during weighing or pouring, sometimes leads to respiratory discomfort or short-lived skin rashes. Keeping a local exhaust hood running, wearing nitrile gloves, and covering arms stop virtually all contact issues. For accidental spillage, a HEPA-filtered vacuum works better than a standard broom or wipe, reducing secondary dust. Companies committed to Green Chemistry prioritize correct labeling, batch separation, and preventative maintenance on storage containers to lower cross-contamination risk. Waste disposal via licensed hazardous stations closes the loop for environmental and worker safety.
Potassium Bismuth Citrate appears as a white to faintly off-white powder or crystalline solid, completely dry, nearly odorless, with a density around 2.8 g/cm³. Molecular formula stands at C6H5BiK2O9, molecular weight 601.1 g/mol. The substance resists solubility in neutral water, prefers mild acid, and retains structure in usual storage. Classified under HS Code 283650, the product delivers high purity, long shelf life, and is considered non-flammable and only mildly hazardous. All labeling and documentation reinforce correct, safe stewardship in lab and industrial settings.
