Bismuthine

Bismuthine

Bismuthine

Chemical compound of bismuth and hydrogen

Bismuthine (IUPAC name: bismuthane) is the chemical compound with the formula BiH3. As the heaviest analogue of ammonia (a pnictogen hydride), BiH3 is unstable, decomposing to bismuth metal well below 0 °C. This compound adopts the expected pyramidal structure with H–Bi–H angles of around 90°.[1]

Quick Facts Names, Identifiers ...

The term bismuthine may also refer to a member of the family of organobismuth(III) species having the general formula BiR
3, where R is an organic substituent. For example, Bi(CH3)3 is trimethylbismuthine.

Preparation and properties

BiH3 is prepared by the redistribution of methylbismuthine (BiH2Me):[2]

3 BiH2Me → 2 BiH3 + BiMe3

The required BiH2Me, which is also thermally unstable, is generated by reduction of methylbismuth dichloride, BiCl2Me with LiAlH4.[1]

As suggested by the behavior of SbH3, BiH3 is unstable and decomposes to its constituent elements according to the following equation:

2 BiH3 → 3 H2 + 2 Bi  (ΔHo
f(gas) = −278 kJ/mol)

The methodology used for detection of arsenic ("Marsh test") can also be used to detect BiH3. This test relies on the thermal decomposition of these trihydrides to the metallic mirrors of reduced As, Sb, and Bi. These deposits can be further distinguished by their distinctive solubility characteristics: arsenic dissolves in NaOCl, antimony dissolves in ammonium polysulfide, and bismuth resists both reagents.[2]

Uses and safety considerations

The low stability of BiH3 precludes significant health effects, it decomposes rapidly well below room temperature.

References

  1. [1]
    W. Jerzembeck; H. Bürger; L. Constantin; L. Margulès; J. Demaison; J. Breidung; W. Thiel (2002). "Bismuthine BiH3: Fact or Fiction? High-Resolution Infrared, Millimeter-Wave, and Ab Initio Studies". Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 41 (14): 2550–2552. doi:10.1002/1521-3773(20020715)41:14<2550::AID-ANIE2550>3.0.CO;2-B. PMID 12203530. Archived from the original on 2013-01-05.
  2. [2]
    Holleman, A. F.; Wiberg, E. "Inorganic Chemistry" Academic Press: San Diego, 2001.ISBN 0-12-352651-5.
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