Synthesis of basic bismuth(III) oxalate by precipitation from nitrate solutions

Conditions were determined in which basic bismuth oxalate of composition BiC₂O₄(OH) can be obtained by direct precipitation upon addition of oxalic acid from nitrate solutions used in production of bismuth compounds. The composition of the compound was confirmed by X-ray phase and chemical analyses, IR and Raman spectroscopy, and thermogravimetry. Electron microscopy was used to examine the effect of the composition of the reaction medium and temperature on the morphology of the product being obtained. It was shown that β-Bi₂O₃ can be obtained in oxidative thermolysis of basic bismuth oxalate, depending on its morphology.