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Sulfurous Acid




Aqueous solutions of Sulfur Dioxide . There is no evidence that the
sulfurous acid molecule, H2SO3, exists in these solutions. They react
with Alkali s to form bisulfite (or '''hydrogensulfite''') and '''sulfite''' salts.

Raman Spectra of solutions of sulfur dioxide in water show only
signals due to the SO2 molecule and the bisulfite ion,
HSO3. The intensities of the signals are consistent with the
following Equilibrium :
::SO2 + H2O ⇌ HSO3 + H+
:::''K''a = 1.54x10−2 L/mol; p''K''a = 1.81.

The Hydrogen atom in the bisulfite ion is bonded to the Sulfur atom and not to an
Oxygen atom as is more usual in the case of Oxoanion s. This has been shown in the
solid state by X-ray Crystallography and in aqueous solution by Raman Spectroscopy
(ν(S–H) = 2500 cm−1). It is, however, acidic according
to the following equilibrium:
::HSO3 ⇌ SO32− + H+
:::''K''a = 1.02x10−7 L/mol; p''K''a = 6.97.

Solutions of sulfur dioxide ("sulfurous acid") and of bisulfite and sulfite salts are used
as Reducing Agents and as disinfectants. They are also mild Bleach es, and
are used for materials which may be damaged by Chlorine -containing bleaches.


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REFERENCES

  • Simon, A.; & Kriegsmann, H. (1956). ''Chem. Ber.'' 89:2442.

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  • Weast, R. C. (Ed.). ''Handbook of Chemistry and Physics (53rd Edn.)'', Cleveland:Chemical Rubber Co., 1972.