Polymorphism in Bi2(SO4)3

A new polymorph of Bi-2(SO4)(3) was prepared by reaction of LiBiO2 with H2SO4 and its crystal structure was solved from X-ray powder diffraction. This new polymorph crystallizes in C2/c space group with lattice parameters a = 17.3383(3) angstrom, b = 6.77803(12) angstrom, c = 8.30978(13) angstrom, beta = 101.4300(12)degrees. Bi-2(SO4)(3) presents a layered structure made of SO4 sulfate groups and signs of stereochemically active Bi3+ lone pairs. The new Bi-2(SO4)(3) absorbs water to form Bi-2(H2O)(2)(SO4)(2)(OH)(2) through an intermediate Bi2O(OH)(2)SO4 phase, and the transition is reversible when heated under vacuum. (C) 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.