Sodium bisulfite (NaHSO3) is a chemical compound used as a food preservative and in various industrial applications. It works by inhibiting the growth of bacteria and preventing oxidation.

NaHSO3 is highly soluble in water, with a solubility of 62 g/100 mL at 20°C. It is also soluble in glycerol and slightly soluble in alcohol. Its solubility in water makes it a useful reagent in various chemical reactions.

Properties

Appearance : White crystalline powder

Specific Gravity : 1.48

Color : White to slightly yellow

Odor : Sulfurous odor

Molar Mass : 104.06 g/mol

Density : 1.48 g/mL

Melting Point : 150°C

Boiling Point : 150°C

Water Solubility : Very soluble

Solubility : Soluble in ethanol

pKa : 6.97

pH : 4.5-5.5 (5% solution)

Sodium Bisulfite Uses

NaHSO3 has a wide range of uses in various industries. Here are some of its common uses:

Food industry – Used as a food preservative to prevent the growth of bacteria and prolong the shelf life of food products like canned fruits and vegetables, juices, and wine.

Water treatment – Used as a reducing agent to remove excess chlorine from drinking water and wastewater treatment systems.

Textile industry – Used as a bleaching agent to remove residual dyes from textiles.

Photographic industry – Used as a developing agent in photographic processing.

Oil drilling – Used as a corrosion inhibitor and in scavenging systems to remove oxygen and prevent corrosion in oil and gas drilling operations.

Pharmaceuticals – Used as an antioxidant and as a reducing agent in the manufacture of some pharmaceutical products.

Personal care – Used as a hair straightening agent and in the production of some personal care products like shampoos and conditioners.

Other uses – Used in the production of paper and pulp, as a laboratory reagent, and as a metal ion chelating agent.