Sodium sulfite
| Infobox on Sodium sulfite | |
|---|---|
| Example of Sodium sulfite |  |
| Facts | |
| Origin | - |
| Stowage factor (in m3/t) | - |
| Humidity / moisture | - |
| Ventilation | - |
| Risk factors | See text |
Sodium sulfite
Description
Sodium sulfite (sodium sulphite) is a soluble sodium salt of sulfurous acid (sulfite) with the chemical formula Na2SO3. It is a product of sulfur dioxide scrubbing, a part of the flue-gas desulfurization process.
Sodium sulfite composes white crystals or powder, saline, sulphurous taste. Soluble in water. Reacts with hot water, steam or acids to produce corrosive material.
Application
Sodium sulfite is primarily used in the pulp and paper industry. It is used in water treatment as an oxygen scavenger agent, in the photographic industry to protect developer solutions from oxidation and (as hypo clear solution) to wash fixer (sodium thiosulfate) from film and photo-paper emulsions, in the textile industry as a bleaching, desulfurizing and dechlorinating agent and in the leather trade for the sulfitization of tanning extracts. It is used in the purification of TNT for military use. It is used in chemical manufacturing as a sulfonation and sulfomethylation agent. It is used in the production of sodium thiosulfate. It is used in other applications, including froth flotation of ores, oil recovery, food preservatives, and making dyes.
The use is prohibited in meats and other sources of Vitamin B1.
Shipment / Storage / Risk factors
Sodium sulphite is shipped in bags or drums. Bags may be badly corroded and torn, due to excessive inherent acid content.
Literature sources indicate that this compound is non-combustible.
The product is not listed as a dangerous cargo. Consult the applicable MSDS sheet for safe handling advice.