Sulfurous acid

From WikiMD's Wellnesspedia

Sulfurous acid is a chemical compound with the formula H2SO3. It is a weak acid that is formed when sulfur dioxide is dissolved in water. It is not usually isolated in its pure form but is primarily used in the preparation of other sulfur-containing compounds.

Chemical Properties[edit | edit source]

Sulfurous acid is a clear, colorless liquid that is highly soluble in water. It is a weak acid, meaning it only partially ionizes in solution. The acid is unstable and tends to decompose into water and sulfur dioxide. It can act as a reducing agent and can be oxidized to sulfuric acid.

Preparation[edit | edit source]

Sulfurous acid is typically prepared by dissolving sulfur dioxide in water. This reaction is exothermic, meaning it releases heat. The resulting solution contains a mixture of sulfurous acid and its conjugate base, the bisulfite ion.

Uses[edit | edit source]

Sulfurous acid is primarily used in the preparation of other sulfur-containing compounds. It is used in the production of sulfites, which are used as preservatives in food and beverages. It is also used in the production of detergents, paper, and textiles.

Safety[edit | edit source]

Exposure to sulfurous acid can cause irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. It is considered a hazardous substance and should be handled with care.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Wiki.png

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD


Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.


Contributors: Admin, Prab R. Tumpati, MD