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.