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Sodium bisulfite facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Sodium bisulfite is a special chemical compound. It's also called sodium hydrogen sulfite. Its chemical formula is NaHSO3. This means it's made of one sodium atom, one hydrogen atom, one sulfur atom, and three oxygen atoms. It looks like a white solid and has a slight smell, a bit like sulfur.

What is Sodium Bisulfite?

Sodium bisulfite is a type of salt. It's made from two parts: a sodium ion and a bisulfite ion. An ion is an atom or molecule that has an electric charge. This chemical is often used in different industries.

How is Sodium Bisulfite Made?

You can make sodium bisulfite by mixing certain chemicals. It is usually made by reacting sulfur dioxide gas with a solution of sodium hydroxide or sodium bicarbonate.

If you use too much sodium hydroxide, a different chemical called sodium disulfite is made instead. It's important to use the right amounts to get sodium bisulfite.

Related Chemicals

Images for kids

  • Sodium bisulfite

    Sodium bisulfite powder

  • Sodium-bisulfite-3D-balls

    Ball-and-stick model of a bisulfite anion (left) and a sodium cation (right)

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