Anhydrous sodium sulfite is a white crystalline powder or granule, odorless or with a slight sulfur dioxide odor. It is stable when dry, hygroscopic, and readily oxidized by air to sodium sulfate. Its aqueous solution is weakly alkaline and possesses strong reducing properties, releasing sulfur dioxide gas upon contact with acids.
Physical & Chemical Properties
Molecular FormulaNa2SO3
Density:2.63g/cm³g/cm³
Boiling Point:
Solubility:
Freely soluble in water and glycerol; insoluble in ethanol and liquid ammonia.
Molecular Weight:126.04g/mol
Flash Point:
Melting Point:>500℃
Uses
1. Chemical Industry:Reducing agent, sulfonating agent, used in the preparation of sodium thiosulfate / cellulose sulfite
2. Dyeing and Printing:Fabric bleaching, deoxidation, reduction cleaning
3. Paper Making:Pulp bleaching, dechlorination
4. Food:Bleaching agent, preservative, antioxidant (permitted by GB 2760)
5. Water Treatment:Deoxidation, reduction of heavy metal ions
6. Photography:Preservative in developer solutions
Safety, Security & Risk
Chemical Hazards
When heated, it decomposes, emitting toxic and corrosive fumes.The substance is a strong reducing agent.It reacts violently with oxidizing agents.It reacts with strong acids, producing toxic sulfur oxides.