subject: Get To Know About Sodium Hydrosulfite [print this page] In the field of organic chemistry, Sodium Hydrosulfite is recognized as a highly useful reducing agent which is used in a number of chemical reactions. At the same time, the compound is also popular as a useful chemical for a number of industrial processes as well. This article is based upon the basic facts about this chemical agent.
Structure structurally, this chemical is the sodium salt of dithionic acid. Hence, it is also known popularly as sodium dithionate. Although commonly it exists as a crystalline compound in nature that is white in color and has a slight sulfurous order, but it also exists in anhydrous (without water) as well as dihydrated (having 2 water molecules incorporated in its structure) forms.
Properties the compound is known to exhibit different properties in solution and non-solution form. Let us have a look at them
Aqueous form - It is a highly unstable compound in solution form. The fact that even in the absence of air, the chemical gets deteriorated because of its reaction with water/moisture, makes it really difficult to store Sodium Hydrosulfite for longer durations. The aqueous solution is acidic in nature as well.
Non-aqueous form It is easily oxidized by the oxygen when left in air in non-aqueous form. In anhydrous form, the compound is degrades into sodium sulfate and sulfur dioxide (a harmful gas) at temperatures higher than 90 C.
Applications- all the properties of this chemical make it an important reagent for various fields. Following mentioned are some of the major processes where this chemical finds application -
The ease of solubility makes this chemical a highly useful reducing agent in dyeing industry.
As compared to other water insoluble chemicals, sodium dithionate is also known to eliminate any residual oxide, unattended pigments as well as excess dye, thus improving the overall quality of the product.
Sodium dithioante also finds application in biological sciences as it is used a reagent to lower the redox potential of chemical reactions being carried out in the laboratories.
Although, not that commonly, but it is also used as a developing agent in photography industry.
Because of its ability to enhance the solubility of metal ions, it is also used as a chelating agent in metal extractions.
It is also used in the production of commercial bleach, used for the treatment of leather, cotton, wool, paper pulp and chrome tanning.
