What is Bismuth(III) chloride?
[[File:Chlorid bismutitý.PNG|thumb|Bismuth(III) chloride]] '''Bismuth(III) chloride''', also known as '''bismuth trichloride''', is a [[chemical compound]]. Its chemical formula is BiCl<sub>3</sub>. It has [[bismuth]] and [[chloride]] [[ion]]s in it. The bismuth is in its +3 [[oxidation state]]. ==Properties== Bismuth(III) chloride is a pale yellow solid. It reacts with water to make [[bismuth oxychloride]] and [[hydrochloric acid]]. It dissolves in [[acid]]s like hydrochloric acid. It reacts with [[reducing agent]]s to make bismuth metal. ==Preparation== It is made by reacting bismuth with [[chlorine]]. It can also be made by dissolving [[bismuth(III) oxide]] in hydrochloric acid. Bismuth can be dissolved in [[nitric acid]] to make bismuth(III) nitrate, which reacts with [[sodium chloride]] to make bismuth(III) chloride. ==Uses== It is used as a [[catalyst]] in [[organic chemistry]]. It is a good source of bismuth and is used to make other [[bismuth compounds]]. ==Safety== Bismuth(III) chloride can cause burns on skin because it makes hydrochloric acid when it reacts with water. It irritates the [[gastrointestinal tract]]. ==Related pages== *[[Bismuth(III) bromide]] *[[Bismuthine]] [[Category:Bismuth compounds]] [[Category:Chlorine compounds]]