The complexes of bismuth(III) and nitrilotriacetic acid

The reaction between bismuth(III) and nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA or H(3)X) has been investigated by ultraviolet spectrophotometry. It has been established that bismuth(III) and NTA form two complexes with compositions bismuth(III): NTA = 1:1 and 1:2. The absorption maxima are at 243 nm (1:1) and 271 nm (1:2), the molar absorptivities being 8.00 x 10(3) and 8.20 x 10(3) l.mole(-1).cm(-1) respectively. The stability constants (at mu = 1.0) are: log beta(BiX) = 17.53 +/- 0.06 and log beta(B)(2)(3-) = 26.56 +/- 0.07. The possibility of the analytical application of BiX is briefly discussed.