Sodium bisulfite: Difference between revisions

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'''Sodium bisulfite''' (or '''sodium hydrogen sulfite''') is a chemical compound with the chemical formula NaHSO3. Sodium bisulfite is a food additive with E number E222. This salt of [[Bisulfite|bisulfite]] can be prepared by bubbling [[Sulfur dioxide|sulfur dioxide]] in a solution of [[Sodium carbonate|sodium carbonate]] in water. Sodium bisulfite in contact with [[Chlorine|chlorine]] bleach (aqueous solution of sodium hypochlorite) will release harmful fumes.
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Sodium bisulfite}}
{{Short description|Chemical compound}}
[[File:Sodium_bisulfite.png|thumb|right|Structural formula of sodium bisulfite]]


== Uses ==
'''Sodium bisulfite''' is a chemical compound with the formula NaHSO_. It is a white solid that is soluble in water and is commonly used as a food preservative and a reducing agent in various chemical processes.


Sodium bisulfite is used in almost all commercial wines, to prevent oxidation and preserve flavor. In the food industry, it is used as a preservative for fruits and vegetables, and in the treatment of dried foods. It is also used in the analysis of [[Methylation|methylation]] status of [[Cytosine|cytosine]] in DNA.
==Chemical Properties==
Sodium bisulfite is an [[inorganic compound]] that consists of sodium (Na_) and bisulfite (HSO__) ions. It is a [[sulfite]] salt and acts as a weak acid in aqueous solutions. The compound is known for its ability to release sulfur dioxide (SO_) when heated or in acidic conditions, which is a key feature in its use as a preservative.


== Health Effects ==
==Production==
Sodium bisulfite is typically produced by bubbling sulfur dioxide gas through a solution of [[sodium carbonate]] (Na_CO_) or [[sodium hydroxide]] (NaOH). The reaction with sodium carbonate can be represented as:


Ingestion of sodium bisulfite may result in gastrointestinal upset and irritation of the gastric mucosa. In severe cases, life-threatening situations may occur due to metabolic acidosis and shock. Sodium bisulfite can also cause allergic reactions, especially in those sensitive to sulfites.
: SO_ + Na_CO_ + H_O _ 2 NaHSO_


== Environmental Impact ==
==Uses==
Sodium bisulfite is widely used in various industries due to its preservative and reducing properties.


Sodium bisulfite is harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects. It is also harmful to the ozone layer.
===Food Industry===
In the food industry, sodium bisulfite is used as a preservative to prevent spoilage and discoloration. It is commonly added to dried fruits, wines, and other food products to maintain freshness and extend shelf life.


== See Also ==
===Chemical Industry===
In the chemical industry, sodium bisulfite serves as a reducing agent in the purification of [[ketones]] and [[aldehydes]]. It is also used in the [[paper]] and [[pulp]] industry to bleach wood pulp.


===Water Treatment===
Sodium bisulfite is used in water treatment processes to remove excess chlorine from drinking water and wastewater. It acts as a dechlorinating agent, ensuring that water is safe for consumption and release into the environment.
==Safety and Handling==
Sodium bisulfite should be handled with care, as it can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. It is important to use appropriate protective equipment when working with this compound.
==Related Compounds==
Sodium bisulfite is related to other sulfite compounds, such as [[sodium sulfite]] (Na_SO_) and [[sodium metabisulfite]] (Na_S_O_), which have similar applications and properties.
==Related pages==
* [[Sodium sulfite]]
* [[Sodium metabisulfite]]
* [[Sodium metabisulfite]]
* [[Sulfur dioxide]]
* [[Sulfur dioxide]]
* [[Sodium sulfite]]
* [[Food preservation]]
 
== References ==
 
<references />


[[Category:Chemical compounds]]
[[Category:Food additives]]
[[Category:Food additives]]
[[Category:Sodium compounds]]
[[Category:Water treatment]]
[[Category:Sulfites]]
{{Chem-stub}}
{{food-stub}}

Latest revision as of 11:11, 15 February 2025


Chemical compound


Structural formula of sodium bisulfite

Sodium bisulfite is a chemical compound with the formula NaHSO_. It is a white solid that is soluble in water and is commonly used as a food preservative and a reducing agent in various chemical processes.

Chemical Properties[edit]

Sodium bisulfite is an inorganic compound that consists of sodium (Na_) and bisulfite (HSO__) ions. It is a sulfite salt and acts as a weak acid in aqueous solutions. The compound is known for its ability to release sulfur dioxide (SO_) when heated or in acidic conditions, which is a key feature in its use as a preservative.

Production[edit]

Sodium bisulfite is typically produced by bubbling sulfur dioxide gas through a solution of sodium carbonate (Na_CO_) or sodium hydroxide (NaOH). The reaction with sodium carbonate can be represented as:

SO_ + Na_CO_ + H_O _ 2 NaHSO_

Uses[edit]

Sodium bisulfite is widely used in various industries due to its preservative and reducing properties.

Food Industry[edit]

In the food industry, sodium bisulfite is used as a preservative to prevent spoilage and discoloration. It is commonly added to dried fruits, wines, and other food products to maintain freshness and extend shelf life.

Chemical Industry[edit]

In the chemical industry, sodium bisulfite serves as a reducing agent in the purification of ketones and aldehydes. It is also used in the paper and pulp industry to bleach wood pulp.

Water Treatment[edit]

Sodium bisulfite is used in water treatment processes to remove excess chlorine from drinking water and wastewater. It acts as a dechlorinating agent, ensuring that water is safe for consumption and release into the environment.

Safety and Handling[edit]

Sodium bisulfite should be handled with care, as it can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. It is important to use appropriate protective equipment when working with this compound.

Related Compounds[edit]

Sodium bisulfite is related to other sulfite compounds, such as sodium sulfite (Na_SO_) and sodium metabisulfite (Na_S_O_), which have similar applications and properties.

Related pages[edit]