Structure
The term "sub" refers to the high oxygen content in the molecule and the presence of Bi-O moieties.
Characterization of the properties of bismuth subsalicylate has been difficult due to its insolubility and its partial hydrolysis. Two crystal structures are observed, them being:
- with a Bi38O44 core
- with a Bi9O7 core
It is believed that the latter cluster gives rise to the former, leading researchers to believe that they may be extrapolated to form larger clusters. This may be the basis for bismuth subsalicylate's extreme insolubility.
Other bismuth carboxylates have typically been trapped using chelating amines such as Bipyridine. Attempts to do so with bismuth subsalicylate have typically led to a loss of the "sub" portion of the molecule.
Read more about this topic: Bismuth Subsalicylate
Famous quotes containing the word structure:
“... the structure of a page of good prose is, analyzed logically, not something frozen but the vibrating of a bridge, which changes with every step one takes on it.”
—Robert Musil (1880–1942)
“If rightly made, a boat would be a sort of amphibious animal, a creature of two elements, related by one half its structure to some swift and shapely fish, and by the other to some strong-winged and graceful bird.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)
“Science is intimately integrated with the whole social structure and cultural tradition. They mutually support one other—only in certain types of society can science flourish, and conversely without a continuous and healthy development and application of science such a society cannot function properly.”
—Talcott Parsons (1902–1979)