Understanding Sodium Bisulfate

Sodium bisulfate, also known as Sodium acid sulfate, Bisulfate of soda, or Sodium hydrosulfate, is a sodium salt with the bisulfate anion. In its dry form, it is a white, granular compound that is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air. The solutions of Sodium bisulfate are acidic, with a pH value of 1 for every 1M solution. It's corrosive to metals and tissues and can dissolve in water.

Contents

• Structure of Sodium Bisulfate – NaHSO4
• Properties of Sodium Bisulfate – NaHSO4
• How Sodium Hydrogen Sulfate is Produced
• Chemical Reactions Involving Sodium Bisulfate
• Applications of Sodium Bisulfate
• Health Risks of Sodium Hydrogen Sulfate

The Structure of Sodium Bisulfate – NaHSO4

Sodium bisulfate, or sodium hydrogen sulfate, has a structure that includes an ionic bond between the sodium cation and the bisulfate anion. Below is an illustration of this structure:

The exact mass of Sodium acid sulfate is 119.949 g/mol. It has four hydrogen bond acceptors and one hydrogen bond donor. This compound is canonicalized and has two covalently bonded units.

Properties of Sodium Bisulfate – NaHSO4

How Sodium Hydrogen Sulfate is Produced

Sodium hydrogen sulfate is usually produced industrially through the Mannheim process. This involves a reaction between sodium chloride (NaCl) and sulfuric acid (H2SO4):

NaCl + H2SO4 → HCl + NaHSO4

This reaction is highly exothermic. The liquid NaHSO4 produced is sprayed and cooled to form solid beads.

Chemical Reactions Involving Sodium Bisulfate

Hydrated sodium bisulfate dehydrates and separates from its water molecule at 58 °C. Further heating to 280 °C produces sodium pyrosulfate, a colorless salt:

2 NaHSO4 → Na2S2O7 + H2O

Applications of Sodium Bisulfate

• Sodium bisulfate is used to reduce the pH of swimming pool water.
• It is used in metal finishing.
• It is applied in chicken houses to decrease the concentration of Salmonella.
• It serves as a bleaching agent.
• It acts as a catalyst in various reactions.
• It is used in the production of paper products.
• It is used in water treatment products.
• It is a component in certain paints.
• It is used in the production of agricultural chemicals.
• It is used in the processing of velvet cloths.

Health Risks of Sodium Hydrogen Sulfate

Sodium hydrosulfate is a toxic and corrosive compound. Exposure through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact can cause severe injury and may be fatal. When heated, it releases irritating and toxic gases.