Sodium Bisulfite 99%, also known as Sodium Hydrogen Sulfite (NaHSO₃), is a highly efficient reducing agent, antioxidant, preservative, and oxygen scavenger widely used across industrial, commercial, and municipal sectors. This white to slightly yellow crystalline powder is valued for its powerful chemical reactivity, high purity, and excellent solubility in water. Its ability to prevent oxidation, remove dissolved oxygen, and control microbial growth makes it essential in industries such as water treatment, food processing, pharmaceuticals, textiles, pulp and paper, leather processing, and chemical manufacturing.

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Chemical Nature and Key Properties

Sodium Bisulfite has the molecular formula NaHSO₃, representing a sodium salt of bisulfite acid. It is known for its strong reducing power and high reactivity with oxygen, free chlorine, heavy metals, and various oxidizing agents. At 99% purity, it offers consistent performance and is ideal for sensitive industrial processes requiring stability and accuracy.

Key physical and chemical characteristics include:

Appearance: White to pale yellow crystalline powder

Purity: Minimum 99%

Solubility: Highly soluble in water, forming mild acidic solutions

Odor: Slight sulfur dioxide smell

Stability: Stable under dry conditions; decomposes slowly in moist air

Reactivity: Reacts with oxidizing agents and neutralizes harmful chemicals

These properties make Sodium Bisulfite especially valuable for applications where oxidation control is crucial.

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Major Industrial Applications

1. Water Treatment and Oxygen Scavenging

Sodium Bisulfite is widely used in boiler water treatment and industrial water purification as an effective oxygen scavenger. By reacting with dissolved oxygen, it prevents corrosion in pipelines, boilers, storage tanks, and mechanical equipment. It is also used to remove excess chlorine in municipal water systems before water enters industrial processes.

2. Food Industry Applications

In food processing, Sodium Bisulfite acts as a preservative, antioxidant, and anti-browning agent. It is commonly used for:

Preventing discoloration of fruits and vegetables

Stabilizing beverages

Influencing fermentation in breweries

Preserving food during processing and storage

Its ability to inhibit bacterial growth extends the shelf life of many food products.

3. Pulp and Paper Industry

The pulp and paper sector uses Sodium Bisulfite as a bleaching and pulping chemical. It helps break down lignin in wood, softens fibers, and enhances the brightness of paper. Its reducing properties assist in controlling the oxidation of chemicals used during pulping.

4. Leather Processing and Textiles

In leather tanning, Sodium Bisulfite is used to purify hides, soften fibers, and prevent oxidation during processing.
In textiles, it functions as:

A bleaching stabilizer

A reducing agent for dyes

A chemical for color stripping and finishing processes

5. Pharmaceutical and Chemical Industries

The chemical and pharmaceutical industries value Sodium Bisulfite for its role in:

Synthesis of various chemical intermediates

Stabilization of formulations

Purification and neutralization processes

Removing impurities from bulk chemicals

It is also commonly used in laboratories as a reagent in analytical chemistry.

6. Photography and Film Processing

In the photographic industry, Sodium Bisulfite is used in developer and fixing solutions to prevent oxidation and maintain image clarity.

7. Mining and Metal Treatment

In mining operations, it serves to remove cyanide from wastewater through oxidation-reduction reactions.
Metal industries use it to prevent rusting and remove unwanted oxide layers.

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Advantages of Using Sodium Bisulfite 99%

High purity ensures consistency and reliability in industrial applications

Strong reducing power for controlling oxidation

Versatile across multiple industries

Cost-effective solution for water and chemical treatment

Environment-friendly alternative in many chemical processes

Fast reaction rate with chlorine, oxygen, and heavy metals

These qualities make it a preferred choice for manufacturers and processing units worldwide.

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Safe Handling and Storage

While highly effective, Sodium Bisulfite must be handled with care due to its reactive nature.
Recommended safety practices include:

Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place

Avoid exposure to moisture and heat

Use protective gloves, masks, and eyewear

Keep away from strong oxidizing agents

Prevent release of dust into the air

Proper storage ensures longer shelf life and maintains its 99% purity.

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Conclusion

Sodium Bisulfite 99% (Sodium Hydrogen Sulfite, NaHSO₃) is a vital industrial chemical with extensive uses across water treatment, food preservation, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and more. Its strong reducing properties, ability to remove dissolved oxygen, and efficiency in preventing oxidation make it indispensable for modern manufacturing. With high purity and consistent performance, it remains a top choice for industries seeking reliable, cost-effective, and versatile chemical solutions.