Complexation of bismuth(III) with the chloride ion has been studied by potentiometry,645 647,647,648 and hydrolysis of bismuth chloride649-652 reveals the formation of a variety of solid phases, BiOCl‚2H2O, BiOCl, and BiCl3‚H2O,653 but only BiOCl has been comprehensively characterized (hydrolysis of bismuth subiodide has also been studied).654 The crystal structure of BiOCl614 shows one unique bismuth center surrounded by four oxygen atoms and four chlorine atoms in an asymmetric decahedral geometry.