What is Sodium Bisulfite?
Sodium bisulfite is a common inorganic salt and the other name for this chemical substance is hydrogen sulfite. The chemical formula for this substance is NaHSO3 and a molecular weight of 104.06 g/mol.
Sodium Bisulfite Structure
This ionic compound is made up of one sodium cation and bisulfite anion as shown below. Sulfur is the central atom that is connected by a hydroxyl group and two oxygen atoms with a single bond or double bonds that are in resonance with each other.
The chemical compound for an industrial grade can be prepared by mixing sulfur dioxide with an aqueous solution of bases like sodium bicarbonate or sodium hydroxide etc.
Sodium Bisulfite Formula NaHSO3
This a solid compound white in color and a mild sulfurous odor too. The density of the substance is 1.48 g/mL and a melting point is 150 °C. When heated continuously, the product breaks down into bisulfite or sodium ions and this is a weak acid too. At some places, the chemical substance is used as a reducing agent and it is needed to reduce the functional groups in organic synthesis.
About Sodium Bisulfite
It could react violently with acids and results in strong explosions. It could be defined as the food additive or food preservative too. The compound is particularly known for decolorization and purification process of chemicals. It could be utilized for wastewater treatment and preventing corrosion, DNA sequencing, wine manufacturing and more. It can be harmful when swallowed in large quantity and leads to death or severe diarrhea.