Chemical laboratory

Sodium Bisulfite

Versatile Reducing Agent for Industrial Applications

  • CAS 7631-90-5
  • Formula NaHSO₃
  • Flash Pt N/A °C
  • Density 1.34 g/cm³ (solid)
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Physical & Chemical Properties

Property Value Unit
Boiling point N/A (decomposes) °C
Flash point N/A °C
Density 1.34 g/cm³ (solid) g/cm³
Solubility 54 g/100 mL (20°C) -
Ph < 1 (10% solution) -
Molecular weight 104.06 g/mol g/mol
Melting point 150°C (decomposes) °C
Vapor pressure N/A mmHg
Autoignition temp N/A -
Appearance Clear, colorless to slightly yellow liquid -
Odor Slight sulfur dioxide odor -
Vapor density N/A g/cm³

Overview

Sodium Bisulfite (NaHSO₃) is a highly versatile inorganic compound widely used across multiple industries as a reducing agent, preservative, and dechlorinating agent. With its molecular weight of 104.06 g/mol and excellent water solubility of 54 g/100 mL at 20°C, this white crystalline solid or clear to slightly yellow liquid provides reliable performance in numerous chemical processes. The compound decomposes at 150°C rather than melting, making it suitable for moderate-temperature applications while maintaining its chemical integrity.

Key Applications

  • Food Preservation: Acts as an effective antioxidant and preservative in food processing, preventing oxidation and maintaining product quality in wine production, dried fruits, and other consumables
  • Wastewater Treatment: Essential for dechlorination processes in municipal and industrial wastewater treatment facilities, neutralizing excess chlorine to protect downstream biological treatment systems
  • Textile Industry: Functions as an antichlor agent to remove residual chlorine after bleaching operations, preventing fabric damage and ensuring consistent textile quality
  • Chemical Manufacturing: Serves as a reducing agent and chemical intermediate in various synthesis reactions, supporting production of pharmaceuticals, dyes, and other specialty chemicals

Safety & Handling

Sodium Bisulfite requires careful handling due to its acidic nature (pH < 1 in 10% solution) and slight sulfur dioxide odor. Personnel should wear appropriate personal protective equipment including chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and respiratory protection when working with concentrated solutions. Ensure adequate ventilation in work areas to prevent accumulation of sulfur dioxide vapors. The compound is non-flammable with no flash point or autoignition temperature, simplifying fire safety considerations during storage and use.

Storage & Shelf Life

Store Sodium Bisulfite in tightly sealed containers away from heat sources and incompatible materials such as strong acids and oxidizing agents. Maintain storage temperatures below the decomposition point of 150°C and protect from moisture to prevent degradation. The compound should be kept in corrosion-resistant containers due to its acidic properties. Proper storage ensures extended shelf life and maintains product integrity for industrial applications.

Why Alliance Chemical

Alliance Chemical delivers reliable Sodium Bisulfite with same-day shipping from our Taylor, Texas facility. We offer flexible shipping options including UPS, LTL, and FTL to meet your delivery requirements. Every shipment includes comprehensive Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and Certificates of Analysis (COA) to ensure compliance and quality assurance. Trust Alliance Chemical for consistent supply chain management and technical support for your sodium bisulfite applications.

Shipping & Availability

Parcel Shipping

UPS Ground supports pints, quarts, and most 1-gallon packages nationwide.

LTL Freight

5-gallon pails, drums, and totes move via LTL carriers such as ABF Freight, SEFL, Saia, and XPO.

Full Truckload

FTL available for palletized bulk orders. Competitive freight rates.

Local Pickup

Same-day pickup at our Taylor, TX warehouse for Texas customers.

SDS, COA, and TDS available for every product • Same-day shipping on orders before 1 PM CT

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is sodium bisulfite (NaHSO3) and what is it used for?
Sodium bisulfite (NaHSO3) is a reducing agent typically supplied as a 40% aqueous solution for industrial and laboratory use. It is used for dechlorination, as an oxygen scavenger, in chemical synthesis, in pulp & paper and textile processes, and as a photographic and laboratory reagent.
How should I store 40% sodium bisulfite and what is its typical shelf life?
Store in tightly closed, corrosion‑resistant containers in a cool, dry, well‑ventilated area away from heat, sunlight, acids and oxidizers; ambient temperatures are usually recommended. Shelf life depends on storage and container type but is commonly 6–12 months—verify stability and expiry on the COA/SDS for each batch.
What safety and handling precautions do I need when working with sodium bisulfite?
Use appropriate PPE (gloves, eye protection, face shield and protective clothing) and local exhaust ventilation to avoid inhalation and contact; do not mix with acids or oxidizers as it can release sulfur dioxide. For spills follow SDS instructions—contain and collect material for disposal and ventilate the area; seek first aid per SDS for exposures.
How does a 40% sodium bisulfite solution differ from other concentrations or the solid form?
A 40% solution is a convenient liquid form for dosing and industrial processes, while lower concentrations or the solid form have different handling, storage and stability profiles. Solutions can oxidize over time to sulfates and may require antioxidant controls, whereas solids are generally more stable for long‑term storage and transport.
What documentation is provided with sodium bisulfite shipments?
Suppliers typically provide a Safety Data Sheet (SDS), Certificate of Analysis (COA), and Technical Data Sheet (TDS); additional regulatory, transport or material safety documentation can be supplied on request. Always review the SDS for hazard, storage and disposal information before use.
How is sodium bisulfite shipped and what packaging options are common?
Common packaging options include 25 kg bags, 200 kg drums, 1000 L IBCs and bulk tanker deliveries for large volumes. Transport classification and special handling requirements vary by jurisdiction—consult the SDS and your carrier for applicable UN/ADR/IMDG/IATA rules.
Which materials are compatible or incompatible with sodium bisulfite?
Sodium bisulfite is incompatible with strong oxidizers, strong acids, nitrates and chlorates and can liberate sulfur dioxide when acidified. Store and handle in corrosion‑resistant materials such as HDPE, glass or stainless steel (316 recommended); avoid copper, brass and some other reactive metals unless specifically qualified.
What are the typical technical specifications for a 40% sodium bisulfite solution?
Typical specifications include chemical formula NaHSO3, nominal active content 40% w/w, and appearance as a clear to slightly yellow aqueous liquid; impurity limits, specific gravity and pH vary by manufacturer. For exact batch values and analytical limits refer to the product COA and technical data sheet.
What industries and applications commonly use sodium bisulfite?
Sodium bisulfite is used across water and wastewater treatment, pulp & paper, textiles, chemical manufacturing, photography and laboratory research for dechlorination, reduction reactions, oxygen scavenging and as an intermediate. It is also used in mining, oil & gas and chemical process industries for specific reducing or neutralizing tasks.
How can I purchase 40% sodium bisulfite and what should I request from a supplier?
Purchase through chemical distributors or directly from manufacturers; 40% solution is commonly stocked in packaged and bulk formats. When ordering request SDS, COA, lead time, minimum order quantity, packaging options and any transport or storage recommendations applicable to your region.

Documentation & Downloads

Safety Data Sheet
SDS / MSDS
Request COA
Certificate of Analysis
Technical Data Sheet (TDS)
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