Evaluating the non-hygroscopic bismuth subsalicylate,bismuth oxychloride and bismuth subnitrate monohydrate as starting reagents for the preparation of bismuth(III) thiolates

Abstract

Suspensions of bismuth subsalicylate (BSS) in methanol or in water reacted with aromatic and aliphatic monothiols under 1:1, 1:2 and 1:3 molar ratios producing only the Bi(III) trithiolates. BSS readily reacted with British Anti-Lewisite and dihydrolipoic acid but sluggishly with dithioerythritol, giving novel thiolates. Bismuth oxychloride and bismuth subnitrate monohydrate also reacted with mono- and dithiols but in general the products were not pure due to entrapment of the reagents in the insoluble thiolates. From the three moisture stable reagents, BSS is more versatile and being inexpensive can be used in the preparation of bismuth thiolates. The reactivity of BSS towards mono- and dithiols may aid in understanding its biological role.