Bismuth(III) oxychloride facts for kids
Bismuth(III) oxychloride is a special chemical compound that you might have heard of without even knowing it! Its scientific name is a bit long, but its chemical formula is much shorter: BiOCl. This means it's made up of three different parts: bismuth, oxygen (which forms an oxide with bismuth), and chlorine (which forms a chloride). In this compound, the bismuth atom has a special "charge" or "state" called a +3 oxidation state.
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What is Bismuth Oxychloride Like?
Bismuth(III) oxychloride looks like a whitish, solid powder. It has a bit of a shine to it, which is why it's used in makeup! It's also a "weak oxidizing agent", which means it can cause other chemicals to lose electrons, but it's not super strong at it. One important thing about it is that it does not dissolve in water. So, if you put it in water, it won't disappear like sugar does. When it gets hot, it can form a very complex molecule, but that's a bit more advanced!
How is Bismuth Oxychloride Made?
Making bismuth(III) oxychloride is quite simple! Scientists create it by mixing another chemical called bismuth(III) chloride with water. When these two substances react, they form bismuth(III) oxychloride.
What is Bismuth Oxychloride Used For?
The most common use for bismuth(III) oxychloride is in cosmetics. Because it has a shiny, pearly look, it's often added to makeup products like eyeshadows, nail polishes, and lipsticks. It helps give these products a shimmery, pearlescent (like a pearl!) finish.
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In Spanish: Oxicloruro de bismuto(III) para niños
