Sodium Bisulfite vs Sodium Metabisulfite
Comprehensive comparison of Sodium Bisulfite and Sodium Metabisulfite including physical properties, applications, safety considerations, and pricing. Alliance Chemical supplies both chemicals in various grades and concentrations.
Quick Comparison Summary
Physical & Chemical Properties Comparison
| Property | Sodium Bisulfite | Sodium Metabisulfite | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling Point | N/A (decomposes) | N/A (Decomposes) | Similar boiling points |
| Flash Point ⚠️ | N/A | N/A | Data not available for direct comparison |
| Density | 1.34 g/cm³ (solid) | 1.48 g/cm³ | Sodium Metabisulfite is denser |
| Water Solubility | 54 g/100 mL (20°C) | Very soluble in water (65 g/100 mL at 20°C) | |
| pH | < 1 (10% solution) | 4 - 5 (10% solution) | Sodium Bisulfite is more acidic |
| Molecular Weight | 104.06 g/mol | 190.10 g/mol | Sodium Metabisulfite is heavier molecule |
| Melting Point | 150°C (decomposes) | N/A | Data not available for direct comparison |
| Vapor Pressure | N/A | N/A | Data not available for direct comparison |
| Auto-ignition Temp ⚠️ | N/A | N/A | Data not available for direct comparison |
| Vapor Density | N/A | N/A | Data not available for direct comparison |
| Appearance | Clear, colorless to slightly yellow liquid | White or yellowish crystalline powder | |
| Odor | Slight sulfur dioxide odor | Slight sulfur dioxide odor | Similar odor |
Data sourced from PubChem (NIH), OSHA Technical Guidelines, and Alliance Chemical laboratory analysis. Last verified June 2026.
Applications & Use Cases
Sodium Bisulfite Best For:
- Reducing agent
- Food preservative
- Antichlor in textile industry
- Bleaching agent
- Wastewater treatment (dechlorination)
Sodium Metabisulfite Best For:
- Antioxidant in food preservation
- Reducing agent in chemical synthesis
- Oxygen scavenger in water treatment
- Preservative in winemaking
- Bleaching agent in textiles
Choosing Between Them
The right choice depends on your specific application, required purity, and handling capabilities. Contact our team for guidance on which chemical best fits your needs.
Safety & Handling Comparison
Storage Requirements
Always store in original containers in a cool, well-ventilated area per NFPA 30 guidelines. Refer to each product's SDS for specific storage temperature ranges and incompatible materials.
PPE Requirements
At minimum: chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and adequate ventilation per OSHA 29 CFR 1910.132-138. Check each SDS below for chemical-specific PPE requirements.
Fire Hazard
Consult SDS for specific fire hazard information.
Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
Which Chemical Should You Choose?
Decision Snapshot
| Decision Factor | Better Fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Evaporation Profile | Tie | Similar boiling points indicate similar evaporation behavior. |
| Fire Safety Margin | Check SDS | Flash-point data is incomplete for one or both products. |
| Application Breadth | Tie | Compares distinct listed use cases to avoid generic recommendations. |
| Purity Flexibility | Standard grades | Based on availability of 99%+ concentration options in current product metadata. |
Choose Sodium Bisulfite if:
- You specifically need support for reducing agent applications.
- You specifically need support for food preservative applications.
Choose Sodium Metabisulfite if:
- You specifically need support for antioxidant in food preservation applications.
- You specifically need support for reducing agent in chemical synthesis applications.
Commercial & Fulfillment Snapshot
Built for purchasing teams that need predictable dispatch, compliant documentation, and freight flexibility from parcel to full truckload.
| Procurement Advantage | Sodium Bisulfite | Sodium Metabisulfite |
|---|---|---|
| Grade & Concentration Coverage | 40% with industrial/lab procurement support. | multiple concentration options by application with industrial/lab procurement support. |
| Packaging Depth | small packs through bulk freight quantities for parcel, pallet, and truckload planning. | 1 Pack (2 lbs.) to 40 Bag (2200 lbs.) for parcel, pallet, and truckload planning. |
| Dispatch SLA | Lane-scheduling cutoff is 1 PM CT (Mon-Thu) and noon CT Friday. Outbound dispatch from Taylor, TX typically completes within 1-2 business days. | Lane-scheduling cutoff is 1 PM CT (Mon-Thu) and noon CT Friday. Outbound dispatch from Taylor, TX typically completes within 1-2 business days. |
| Freight Optionality | UPS Ground for small packs plus LTL/FTL lanes through ABF, SEFL, Saia, XPO, and partner carriers. | UPS Ground for small packs plus LTL/FTL lanes through ABF, SEFL, Saia, XPO, and partner carriers. |
| Compliance Readiness | SDS ready now; COA/TDS support available pre-PO and post-order. | SDS available on request; COA/TDS support available pre-PO and post-order. |
| Bulk Procurement CTA | Request bulk quote or call (512) 365-6838. | Request bulk quote or call (512) 365-6838. |
Need Help Deciding? Our technical team can help you choose the right chemical for your specific application. Email sales@alliancechemical.com for expert guidance.
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Alliance Chemical supplies both Sodium Bisulfite and Sodium Metabisulfite in various grades and package sizes.