Sulfurous Acid and Sodium Hydroxide

H₂SO₃ + 2NaOH → Na₂SO₃ + 2H₂O

Overview

Sulfurous acid reacts with two equivalents of sodium hydroxide to form sodium sulfite and water. Sulfurous acid is formed when sulfur dioxide dissolves in water and is a diprotic acid. It is unstable and cannot be isolated as a pure substance.

Participants

Role	Substance	Coefficient	State
Reactant	Sodium Hydroxide NaOH	2	(aq)
Product	Water H₂O	2	(l)

Everyday Example

Sodium sulfite is used as a preservative in dried fruits and wine, where it prevents oxidation and browning.

Industrial Importance

Sodium sulfite is used in the pulp and paper industry, as a photographic fixer component, in water treatment for dechlorination, and as an oxygen scavenger in boiler water.

Properties

Type: Acid-Base
Reversible: No
Energy: Exothermic
ΔH: -106.0 kJ/mol

Related Reactions

Acetic Acid and Sodium Acetate Buffer System Acetic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide Neutralization Acetic Acid Dissociation in Water Aluminum Chloride and Chloride Ion (Lewis Acid-Base) Aluminum Hydroxide as Amphoteric Acid with NaOH Aluminum Hydroxide as Amphoteric Base with HCl Ammonia and Ammonium Chloride Buffer System Ammonia and Hydrochloric Acid Ascorbic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide Barium Hydroxide and Ammonium Thiocyanate (Endothermic)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Sulfurous Acid and Sodium Hydroxide?

The balanced equation is: H₂SO₃ + 2NaOH → Na₂SO₃ + 2H₂O.

What type of reaction is Sulfurous Acid and Sodium Hydroxide?

Sulfurous Acid and Sodium Hydroxide is a acid-base reaction.

Is Sulfurous Acid and Sodium Hydroxide exothermic or endothermic?

Sulfurous Acid and Sodium Hydroxide is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -106.0 kJ/mol.