Bismuth Subsalicylate: Overview, Questions, Preparation

It is a white textured powder that has no rancid odour. It is also highly soluble in alkali, but partially soluble in water or alcohol. Some of the other famous names of Bismuth Subsalicylate are salicylic acid and sic bismuth subsalicylate.

Properties of Bismuth Subsalicylate

Chemical Formula	C7H5BiO4
Molar Mass	362.093 g/mol
Density	0.43g/cm3
Melting Point	350 °C
Boiling Point	336.3°C
Trade Name	Pepto-Bismol

Chemical Properties of Bismuth Subsalicylate

• Hydrochloric acid and bismuth subsalicylate react with each other and form bismuth chloride and 3,5-Dihydroxybenzoic acid. The chemical reaction is as follows:

C7H5BiO4 + HCl → C7H6O4 + BiCl

• It produces microparticles around while reacting, which later gets decomposed by the boiling point of water, in the presence of alkali particles. It is highly soluble in alkali.

Uses of Bismuth Subsalicylate

1. Bismuth subsalicylate is used as an antifungal agent, particularly in Tobacco seedlings
2. Bismuth Subsalicylate is most commonly used for treating stomach issues such as indigestion and other inflammatory conditions
3. It can also be used for the treatment of diarrhoea in animals (be it small or large)
4. It is used for the treatment of syphilis, and also, for patients who are sensitive or allergic to penicillin

Direction to Use Bismuth Subsalicylate

• 30 ml every 30 minutes is usually advised for patients suffering from stomach issues, indigestion, and nausea
• 30 ml every 30 minutes or two doses in an hour are recommended for diarrhoea patients
• It is advised not to take more than eight doses, as the excessive amount can do more harm than good
• For children, it is highly advisable to go and consult a doctor, as children are more sensitive to the medication, and it can cause allergies

Bismuth Subsalicylate in Class 12

For the year 2021, the chapter of Alcohol, Phenols & Ethers holds a weightage of 6 marks, which includes one short question (3 marks), one very short question (2 marks) and one objective question (1 mark).

Illustrated Examples

 Q. How can Salicylic Acid (Bismuth Subsalicylate) be used in the production of Aspirin? Illustrate with a chemical process.

Answer – The following process illustrates the production of Aspirin with the help of Salicylic Acid undergoing a process of Acetylation.