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:
“What is the structure of government that will best guard against the precipitate counsels and factious combinations for unjust purposes, without a sacrifice of the fundamental principle of republicanism?”
—James Madison (1751–1836)
“Who says that fictions only and false hair
Become a verse? Is there in truth no beauty?
Is all good structure in a winding stair?
May no lines pass, except they do their duty
Not to a true, but painted chair?”
—George Herbert (1593–1633)
“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)