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Sodium Sulfite, Sodium Sulphite, Disodium Sulfite, Anhydrous Sodium Sulfite, E221, 7757-83-7

Sodium Sulfite, Sodium Sulphite, Disodium Sulfite, Anhydrous Sodium Sulfite, E221, 7757-83-7

SODIUM SULFITE (Na₂SO₃ - E221)

PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION

Parameter Information
Product Name Sodium Sulfite
Chemical Name Sodium Sulfite (Disodium Sulfite)
Synonyms (Turkish) Sodyum Sülfit, Sodyum Sülfit Susuz, Disodyum Sülfit, Sülfürlü Asit Disodyum Tuzu
Synonyms (English) Sodium Sulfite, Sodium Sulphite, Disodium Sulfite, Sulfurous Acid Sodium Salt, Anhydrous Sodium Sulfite, S-WAT
E Number E221
CAS Number 7757-83-7
EC Number 231-821-4
Molecular Formula Na₂SO₃
Molecular Weight 126.05 g/mol
Appearance White crystalline powder or granules
Odor Slight sulfur dioxide odor (when moist)

CHEMICAL STRUCTURE

Sodium Sulfite Structure:

        O
        ||
    Na⁺—O—S—O⁻—Na⁺

Structure Description:

  • Ionic compound composed of two sodium cations (Na⁺) and one sulfite anion (SO₃²⁻).

  • White, crystalline powder.

  • Strong reducing agent.

  • Alkaline in aqueous solution (pH 9.0-10.5).

  • Hygroscopic; slowly oxidizes to sodium sulfate (Na₂SO₄) in air.

  • Releases sulfur dioxide (SO₂) gas when in contact with acids.

SECTION 1: CHEMICAL IDENTITY AND DESCRIPTION

Parameter Information
Product Name Sodium Sulfite
Chemical Name Sodium Sulfite (Disodium Sulfite)
Synonyms (Turkish) Sodyum Sülfit, Sodyum Sülfit Susuz, Disodyum Sülfit, Sülfürlü Asit Disodyum Tuzu
Synonyms (English) Sodium Sulfite, Sodium Sulphite, Disodium Sulfite, Sulfurous Acid Sodium Salt, Anhydrous Sodium Sulfite, S-WAT
E Number E221
CAS Number 7757-83-7
EC Number 231-821-4
Molecular Formula Na₂SO₃
Molecular Weight 126.05 g/mol
Chemical Class Inorganic salt; Sulfite; Reducing agent; Food additive
Source Synthetic (reaction of sulfur dioxide with sodium carbonate or sodium hydroxide)
Physical State (20°C) Solid (crystalline powder or granules)
Odor Slight sulfur dioxide odor (when moist)
Color White
Taste Salty, sulfurous taste

SECTION 2: PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Property Value Test Method / Note
Appearance White crystalline powder or granules Visual
Odor Slight sulfur dioxide odor (when moist) Olfactometric
Molecular Weight 126.05 g/mol Calculated
Density (20°C) ~2.63 g/cm³ ASTM D4052
Melting Point > 500°C (decomposes) DSC
Boiling Point Not applicable (decomposes)
Solubility in Water (20°C) 270 g/L (highly soluble) General Method
pH (5% Solution, 20°C) 9.0 – 10.5 (alkaline) pH Meter
Bulk Density 0.8 – 1.2 kg/L (depending on form)
Oxidation Sensitivity Slowly oxidizes to Na₂SO₄ in air
Reducing Properties Strong reducing agent
Stability Stable under recommended conditions; Sensitive to air and moisture
Hygroscopicity Moderate to high
Assay (Na₂SO₃) ≥ 95.0 – 99.0% (grade dependent) Titrimetric
Sodium Sulfate (Na₂SO₄) ≤ 2.0% Titrimetric
Chloride (Cl) ≤ 0.01% Titrimetric
Iron (Fe) ≤ 10 ppm AAS / ICP
Heavy Metals (as Pb) ≤ 10 ppm AAS / ICP

SECTION 3: DENSITY OF AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS (20°C, Approximate)

Concentration (Weight %) Density (g/cm³)
1 1.008
5 1.045
10 1.095
15 1.147
20 1.202

Note: Exact values may vary with temperature and purity.

SECTION 4: SODIUM SULFITE vs OTHER SULFUR COMPOUNDS

Property Sodium Sulfite (Na₂SO₃) Sodium Sulfate (Na₂SO₄) Sodium Bisulfite (NaHSO₃) Sodium Metabisulfite (Na₂S₂O₅)
CAS Number 7757-83-7 7757-82-6 7631-90-5 7681-57-4
Molecular Weight 126.05 g/mol 142.04 g/mol 104.06 g/mol 190.11 g/mol
pH (1% Solution) 9.0-10.5 5.2-8.0 4.0-5.0 4.0-5.0
Reducing Power Strong None Strong Strong
SO₂ Release with Acid Yes No Yes Yes
Oxidation in Air Slow to sulfate Stable Slow Slow
Primary Use Reducing agent, preservative Filler, glass, detergent Preservative, bleaching Preservative, antioxidant
E Code E221 E222 E223

SECTION 5: MECHANISM OF ACTION

Property Description
Reducing Agent Strong reducing agent; Donates electrons to other compounds; Reacts with oxygen (oxygen scavenger); Reduces metal ions; Prevents oxidation reactions.
Antioxidant / Preservative Prevents oxidative browning in foods; Scavenges oxygen; Reduces enzymes (polyphenol oxidase); Maintains color and freshness; Prevents spoilage.
Oxygen Scavenger Reacts with dissolved oxygen: 2Na₂SO₃ + O₂ → 2Na₂SO₄; Removes oxygen from boiler water; Prevents corrosion in pipelines and boilers; Used in water treatment.
Chlorine Neutralizer Reacts with residual chlorine: Na₂SO₃ + Cl₂ + H₂O → Na₂SO₄ + 2HCl; Removes chlorine after bleaching; Used in textile and water treatment.
Sulfonation Adds sulfite groups to organic molecules; Used in chemical synthesis; Produces sulfonated compounds; Used in dye and polymer production.
Acid Reaction Reacts with strong acids to release sulfur dioxide (SO₂) gas: Na₂SO₃ + 2HCl → 2NaCl + SO₂ + H₂O; SO₂ is toxic and irritating; Avoid contact with acids.

SECTION 6: PRODUCTION PROCESS

Industrial Production Method:

Process Flow:
Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂) + Sodium Carbonate (Na₂CO₃) / Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) → Reaction → Crystallization → Filtration → Washing → Drying → Milling → Final Product

Step-by-Step Description:

  1. Sulfur Dioxide Source: Sulfur dioxide is obtained by burning sulfur or as a by-product of smelting operations.

  2. Reaction: Sulfur dioxide is reacted with sodium carbonate (soda ash) or sodium hydroxide solution.

    • With Sodium Carbonate: SO₂ + Na₂CO₃ → Na₂SO₃ + CO₂

    • With Sodium Hydroxide: SO₂ + 2NaOH → Na₂SO₃ + H₂O

  3. Crystallization: The sodium sulfite solution is crystallized.

  4. Filtration: Crystals are separated from the mother liquor.

  5. Washing: Crystals are washed to remove impurities.

  6. Drying: Purified crystals are dried at moderate temperature.

  7. Milling: Dried product is milled to achieve the desired particle size.

  8. Final Product: White crystalline powder or granules are obtained.

SECTION 7: FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES

Property Description
Reducing Agent Strong reducing agent for chemical and industrial processes; Used in textile dyeing and printing; Used in water treatment; Used in chemical synthesis.
Antioxidant / Preservative Prevents oxidative browning and spoilage in foods; Used as food additive (E221); Maintains color and freshness in dried fruits, wines, and potato products.
Oxygen Scavenger Removes dissolved oxygen from water; Used in boiler water treatment; Prevents corrosion in pipelines and equipment; Used in steam generators.
Chlorine Neutralizer Removes residual chlorine after bleaching; Used in textile processing; Used in water treatment; Prevents damage to fibers and materials.
Sulfonation Agent Introduces sulfite groups into organic molecules; Used in dye and polymer production; Used in chemical synthesis; Produces sulfonated compounds.
Reduction in Photography Used as preservative in photographic developers; Prevents oxidation of developing agents; Extends developer life.
Leather Processing Sulfitation of tanning extracts; Used in leather processing; Improves leather quality.

SECTION 8: MAIN APPLICATION AREAS

Industry / Application Function Typical Use
Food Industry (E221) Antioxidant, preservative, color preservative Dried fruits (apricots, raisins, apples); Wines (preservative); Potato products (anti-browning); Fruit juices; Seafood; Dosage: 10-100 ppm (varies by application).
Pulp & Paper Industry Delignification, bleaching Sulfite pulping process (lignin removal); Bleaching of pulp; Not to be confused with Kraft process; Dosage: 5-15% of cooking liquor.
Water Treatment Oxygen scavenger, dechlorination Boiler water treatment (corrosion prevention); Dechlorination of drinking water; Cooling water treatment; Dosage: 10-50 ppm (dependent on oxygen/chlorine levels).
Textile Industry Chlorine removal, reduction Post-bleaching chlorine removal; Dyeing reduction processes; Color stripping; Dosage: 1-5 g/L (depending on application).
Chemical Industry Reducing agent, intermediate Sodium thiosulfate production; Sodium bisulfite production; Sulfonated compound production; Chemical synthesis.
Photography Preservative Photographic developer solutions; Prevents oxidation of developing agents; Extends developer shelf life.
Leather Industry Sulfitation Sulfitation of tanning extracts; Leather processing; Improves leather quality and properties.
Mining Flotation agent Mineral flotation processes; Used for certain ores; Selective flotation.
Pharmaceutical Antioxidant Injectable solutions (antioxidant); Some pharmaceutical formulations; Preservative in certain products.

SECTION 9: QUALITY SPECIFICATIONS

Parameter Food Grade (E221) Technical Grade Pharmaceutical Grade Test Method
Appearance White crystalline powder White crystalline powder White crystalline powder Visual
Assay (Na₂SO₃) ≥ 95.0% ≥ 90.0% ≥ 98.0% Titrimetric
Sodium Sulfate (Na₂SO₄) ≤ 2.0% ≤ 5.0% ≤ 1.0% Titrimetric
Chloride (Cl) ≤ 0.01% ≤ 0.02% ≤ 0.005% Titrimetric
Iron (Fe) ≤ 10 ppm ≤ 20 ppm ≤ 5 ppm AAS / ICP
Heavy Metals (as Pb) ≤ 10 ppm ≤ 5 ppm AAS / ICP
Arsenic (As) ≤ 2 ppm ≤ 1 ppm AAS / ICP
Lead (Pb) ≤ 2 ppm ≤ 1 ppm AAS / ICP
pH (5% Solution) 9.0 – 10.5 9.0 – 10.5 9.0 – 10.5 pH Meter
Loss on Drying ≤ 0.5% ≤ 1.0% ≤ 0.3% Gravimetric
Water Insoluble ≤ 0.05% ≤ 0.1% ≤ 0.02% Gravimetric

SECTION 10: TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE

Parameter Value
Acute Oral Toxicity (LD50, Rat) ~ 1,500 – 2,500 mg/kg (moderate toxicity)
Acute Dermal Toxicity Low toxicity; May cause mild irritation
Skin Irritation May cause irritation (H315)
Eye Irritation May cause serious eye irritation (H319)
Inhalation Toxicity May cause allergic or asthmatic symptoms (H334); Dust may cause respiratory irritation
Chronic Toxicity May cause respiratory sensitization; Repeated exposure may cause lung damage
Carcinogenicity Not classified as carcinogenic
Mutagenicity Not mutagenic
Reproductive Toxicity No reproductive toxicity at normal levels
Allergenicity May cause allergic reactions in sulfite-sensitive individuals; Asthma-like symptoms possible
Environmental Toxicity May be harmful to aquatic life at high concentrations
Special Toxicity Note May release SO₂ gas when in contact with acids; May cause allergic reactions in sulfite-sensitive individuals; Use appropriate PPE; Avoid inhalation of dust; Keep away from acids.

SECTION 11: GHS CLASSIFICATION AND LABELING

GHS Classification (in accordance with CLP and UN GHS):

Hazard Class Category H-Statement
Skin Irritation Category 2 H315
Eye Irritation Category 2 H319
Specific Target Organ Toxicity (Single) Category 3 H335
Respiratory Sensitization Category 1 H334

Signal Word: WARNING

Hazard Pictograms: GHS07 (Exclamation Mark), GHS08 (Health Hazard)

Hazard Statements (H-Codes):

Code Statement
H315 Causes skin irritation
H319 Causes serious eye irritation
H334 May cause allergic or asthmatic symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled
H335 May cause respiratory irritation

NFPA 704 Hazard Classification:

Health Flammability Reactivity Special
1 0 0 -
(Slight health hazard) (Non-flammable) (Stable) (None)

SECTION 12: PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS (P-CODES)

Code Statement
P261 Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapors/spray
P264 Wash hands thoroughly after handling
P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection
P301+P312 IF SWALLOWED: Call a POISON CENTER/doctor if you feel unwell
P302+P352 IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of soap and water
P304+P340 IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing
P305+P351+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and continue rinsing
P332+P313 If skin irritation occurs: Get medical advice/attention
P337+P313 If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention
P342+P311 If experiencing respiratory symptoms: Call a POISON CENTER/doctor
P362+P364 Take off contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse
P403+P233 Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed
P501 Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local/regional/national/international regulations

SECTION 13: FIRST AID MEASURES

Exposure Route Action to Take
Inhalation Remove to fresh air immediately. If respiratory irritation or asthma-like symptoms develop, seek medical attention.
Skin Contact Wash with plenty of soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing. If irritation persists, get medical attention.
Eye Contact Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Keep eyelids open. Remove contact lenses if present. If irritation persists, seek medical attention.
Ingestion Rinse mouth. Drink plenty of water. Seek medical attention if large quantities are ingested or if feeling unwell.

SECTION 14: FIREFIGHTING MEASURES

Parameter Information
Fire Hazard Non-flammable. May release sulfur dioxide (SO₂) upon heating.
Hazards Arising from Fire Thermal decomposition produces sulfur oxides (SOx) and irritating fumes.
Suitable Extinguishing Media Water spray, CO₂, dry chemical powder, foam.
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media Water jet (may spread dust)
Special Protective Equipment Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), full protective clothing.
Special Precautions Prevent dust from entering sewers and waterways. Avoid dust cloud formation.

SECTION 15: STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE

Parameter Information
Storage Conditions Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area; PROTECT FROM MOISTURE and AIR; Keep away from acids and oxidizing agents; Store in tightly closed containers.
Container Requirements Tightly closed, moisture-proof containers (PE-lined bags, HDPE containers, triple-layer paper bags).
Materials to Protect From Moisture, air, acids, strong oxidizing agents (peroxides, permanganates)
Shelf Life 12 – 24 months (in unopened original packaging, under proper storage conditions).
Stability Note Stable under recommended storage conditions; Sensitive to air and moisture; Oxidizes slowly to sodium sulfate; Protect from air and moisture.
Special Storage Requirements Store in a dry, cool place; Avoid exposure to air and moisture; Opened containers must be resealed immediately; Keep away from acids.

SECTION 16: PACKAGING OPTIONS

Packaging Type Quantity Material
Triple-Layer Paper Bag 25 kg PE-lined kraft paper bag (moisture-proof)
Plastic Bag 5 kg, 10 kg, 25 kg PE bag (inner-lined, sealed, moisture-proof)
Fiber Drum 20 kg, 25 kg PE-lined fiberboard drum
Plastic Drum 25 kg, 50 kg HDPE / Polypropylene (moisture-proof)
FIBC / Big Bag 500 kg, 1000 kg PE-lined, moisture-resistant PP woven bag

SECTION 17: TRANSPORT INFORMATION

Parameter Information
UN Number Not regulated (non-hazardous)
Hazard Class Not applicable
Packing Group Not applicable
ADR/RID Not regulated
IMDG Code Not regulated (non-hazardous)
IATA (Air) Not regulated (non-hazardous)
Marine Pollutant No
Transport Temperature Ambient temperature; Protect from moisture and heat.

SECTION 18: REGULATORY STATUS

Region / Authority Status
European Union Food additive E221 approved by EFSA; REACH registered; Approved for food and industrial use.
USA (TSCA) Listed (TSCA Inventory)
USA (FDA) GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) ; 21 CFR 182.3798; Approved for food use; Labeling required for sulfite-sensitive individuals.
Turkey Food additive E221; Turkish Food Codex compliant; Ministry of Agriculture approval required for food use; KKDIK regulation compliance required.
IARC Not classified (non-carcinogenic)
NTP Not listed
OSHA Regulated as irritant; Hazard Communication Standard.
California (Prop 65) Not listed
Halal Yes (with certification)
Kosher Yes (with certification)
Vegan Yes (synthetic, no animal ingredients)

SECTION 19: OTHER NAMES AND SYNONYMS

Type Name
Turkish Names Sodyum Sülfit, Sodyum Sülfit Susuz, Disodyum Sülfit, Sülfürlü Asit Disodyum Tuzu
English Names Sodium Sulfite, Sodium Sulphite, Disodium Sulfite, Sulfurous Acid Sodium Salt, Anhydrous Sodium Sulfite, S-WAT
E Number E221
CAS Number 7757-83-7
EC Number 231-821-4
HS Code 2832.10

SECTION 20: SUMMARY TABLE

Parameter Value
Product Sodium Sulfite (Na₂SO₃ - E221)
CAS Number 7757-83-7
E Number E221
Molecular Formula Na₂SO₃
Molecular Weight 126.05 g/mol
Appearance White crystalline powder or granules
Density (20°C) ~2.63 g/cm³
Solubility in Water (20°C) 270 g/L
pH (5% Solution) 9.0 – 10.5
Primary Functions Reducing agent, antioxidant, preservative, oxygen scavenger, chlorine neutralizer
Main Application Areas Food (E221), pulp & paper, water treatment, textile, chemical, photography, leather, mining
Shelf Life 12 – 24 months
GHS Signal Word WARNING
UN Number Not regulated
Special Properties Strong reducing agent; Alkaline; Oxidizes in air; Releases SO₂ with acids; Food additive; GRAS; FDA approved; Sulfite allergy caution.

SECTION 21: CRITICAL WARNINGS AND BEST PRACTICES

CRITICAL WARNINGS:

  • REDUCING AGENT: Strong reducing agent; Reacts with oxidizing agents (fire/explosion hazard if mixed).

  • RELEASES SO₂ WITH ACIDS: Reacts with strong acids to release sulfur dioxide (SO₂) gas (toxic and irritating). DO NOT MIX WITH ACIDS.

  • OXIDIZES IN AIR: Slowly oxidizes to sodium sulfate in air; Protect from air and moisture.

  • HYGROSCOPIC: Absorbs moisture from air; Store in tightly closed containers.

  • ALLERGY WARNING: May cause allergic reactions in sulfite-sensitive individuals; Asthmatic symptoms possible (H334).

  • SKIN AND EYE IRRITANT: Causes skin and eye irritation (H315, H319); Use appropriate PPE.

  • RESPIRATORY IRRITANT: May cause respiratory irritation (H335); Avoid inhalation of dust.

  • FOOD GRADE: E221 approved; Food-grade material required for food applications.

  • LABELING: Products containing sulfites must be labeled for sulfite-sensitive individuals (FDA/EU).

BEST PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS:

  • Food Industry (E221): Use as antioxidant and preservative; Dosage: 10-100 ppm (varies by application); Dried fruits, wines, potato products; Dissolve in water before use; Food-grade material required; Follow regulatory limits.

  • Pulp & Paper: Use as delignification agent; Dosage: 5-15% of cooking liquor; Sulfite pulping process; Not to be confused with Kraft process.

  • Water Treatment: Use as oxygen scavenger and dechlorinator; Dosage: 10-50 ppm; Boiler water treatment; Cooling water treatment; Corrosion prevention.

  • Textile Industry: Use as chlorine neutralizer; Dosage: 1-5 g/L; Post-bleaching chlorine removal; Dyeing reduction processes.

  • Handling: Use in well-ventilated areas; Avoid dust formation; Use dust masks (N95/FFP2) when handling powder; Use gloves and safety goggles; Avoid contact with acids.

  • Personal Protective Equipment: Dust mask (N95/FFP2) if dust is generated, safety goggles, chemical-resistant gloves, protective clothing.

  • Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly after handling; Do not eat, drink, or smoke while using; Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.

  • Storage: Store in tightly closed, moisture-proof containers; Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area; Protect from moisture and air; Keep away from acids and oxidizing agents; Opened containers must be resealed immediately; Shelf life: 12-24 months under proper conditions.

  • Spill Management: Sweep or vacuum (HEPA) and place in suitable sealed container; Avoid dust formation; Do not allow entry into drains or waterways; Avoid contact with acids.

  • Disposal: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations; Non-hazardous waste; Can be incinerated or dissolved and neutralized (check local regulations).

DETECTION METHODS:

Method Description Advantages Disadvantages
Titrimetric (Iodometric) Iodine-thiosulfate titration Simple, accurate, standard method Requires careful technique
Titrimetric (Acid-Base) Neutralization with standard acid Simple Not specific for sulfite
Ion Chromatography Quantitative analysis of sulfite High sensitivity, accurate High cost, requires expertise
AAS / ICP Trace metal analysis High sensitivity, accurate High cost, requires expertise
pH Meter pH of solution Simple, rapid Indicative only
SO₂ Detection Colorimetric or gas detection tubes Specific for SO₂ release Requires specialized equipment

SODIUM SULFITE vs ALTERNATIVES COMPARISON:

Product Chemical Name / E Code Application Strength Weakness Status
Sodium Sulfite (E221) Na₂SO₃ Food, water treatment, textile Strong reducing, effective preservative Sulfite allergy, oxidizes in air Widely approved
Sodium Metabisulfite (E223) Na₂S₂O₅ Food, preservative, bleaching More stable, higher SO₂ content Stronger odor Widely approved
Sodium Bisulfite (E222) NaHSO₃ Food, preservative Similar properties Lower pH, more acidic Widely approved
Sodium Sulfate Na₂SO₄ Filler, glass, detergent Stable, cheap Not a reducing agent Widely approved
Ascorbic Acid (E300) C₆H₈O₆ Food, antioxidant Natural, safe Less reducing power Widely approved

LEGAL DISCLAIMER:
The information provided in this document is based on our current knowledge and experience and is presented in good faith. However, as all conditions of use are beyond our control, it does not constitute a binding specification or warranty. This Technical Data Sheet is for informational purposes only. Users are responsible for testing the suitability for their own applications and for complying with all local, regional, and national regulations. For complete safety, storage, use, handling, waste, and regulatory compliance information, please refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier. Sodium sulfite is a reducing agent that may release SO₂ when in contact with acids; allergic reactions possible in sulfite-sensitive individuals; use appropriate safety measures.

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