Bismuth is a chemical element that has the symbol Bi and atomic number 83. This heavy, brittle, white crystalline trivalent poor metal has a pink tinge and chemically resembles arsenic and antimony. Of all the metals, it is the most naturally diamagnetic, and only mercury has a lower thermal conductivity.
Bismuth compounds are used in cosmetics and in medical procedures. As the toxicity of lead has become more apparent in recent years, alloy uses for bismuth metal as a replacement for lead have become an increasing part of bismuth's commercial importance.
Technical Data
Symbol |
Bi |
Density (25°C)/gcm-3 |
9.808 |
Atomic number |
83 |
Melting point /°C |
271.4 |
Atomic weight |
208.9804 |
Boiling point /°C |
1564 |
Electronic configuration |
[Xe] 4f45d106s26p3 |
rcov(MIII single bond)/pm |
150 |
Ionization energy/MJmol-1 I |
0.703 |
rionic(6-coordinate)( MIII)/pm |
103 |
II |
1.61 |
(6-coordinate)(MV)/pm |
76 |
III |
2.466 |
Hardness (Mohs) |
|
Sum (I+II+III)/MJmol'' |
4.779 |
Electrical resistivity |
|
Sum (IV+V)/MJmol' |
9.779 |
(20°C)/ μohm cm |
120 |
Electronegativity χ |
1.9 |
Contraction on freezing/% |
-3.32 |
Evaporation Techniques
Temperature (oC) @Vap. Pressure |
Techniques |
Remarks |
10-8 Torr |
10-6 Torr |
10-4 Torr |
Electron Beam |
Crucible |
Coil |
Boat |
330 |
410 |
520 |
Excellent |
Al2O3 & Vitreous Graphite |
Tungsten |
Molybdenum, Tantalum, Al2O3 & Tungsten |
Vapors are toxic, High resistivity. No shorting of baskets |