natriumsulfiitti

Natriumsulfiitti, also known as sodium sulfite, is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula Na2SO3. It is a white crystalline solid that is soluble in water. Natriumsulfiitti is a salt of sulfurous acid and sodium.

In its anhydrous form, natriumsulfiitti is a white powder. The heptahydrate form, Na2SO3·7H2O, is also common and appears as colorless crystals. Natriumsulfiitti is a reducing agent, meaning it can donate electrons to other substances. This property makes it useful in various industrial applications.

One of the primary uses of natriumsulfiitti is in the pulp and paper industry, where it is employed in the sulfite pulping process to break down wood chips into cellulose fibers. It is also used as a preservative and antioxidant in food products, often listed under the E number E221. In this role, it helps to prevent spoilage and discoloration.

Natriumsulfiitti finds applications in photography as a developing agent and in water treatment to remove dissolved oxygen. It can also be used in the textile industry for dyeing and bleaching processes. In laboratories, it is utilized as a reagent for various chemical reactions.

The compound can be produced by reacting sulfur dioxide with a sodium carbonate or sodium hydroxide solution. It is important to handle natriumsulfiitti with care as it can irritate the skin and eyes, and inhaling dust should be avoided.