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Sulfurous Acid

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Sulfurous Acid or Sulphurous Acid is a chemical acid consisting of the elements Hydrogen, Sulfur, and Oxygen. It is a common fruit and vegetable preservative. Hydrogen is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, and flammable gas. Its atomic number is 1 and is represented with the symbol H. Sulfur is an abundant non-metal present in Group 16 of the periodic table. Its atomic number is 16 and is represented by the symbol S. Oxygen is present in Group 16 of the periodic table. Its atomic number is 8 and is represented by the symbol O.

In this article, we will learn about, Sulfurous Acid, Sulfurous Acid Chemical Formula, Physical and Chemical Properties of Sulfurous Acid, and others in detail.

What is Sulfurous Acid (H2SO3)?

Sulfurous Acid is a colorless, weak inorganic acid with a pungent burning sulfur smell. The chemical formula of Sulfurous Acid is H2SO3

It is corrosive to metals and tissues. H2SO3 is a sulfur oxoacid, tautomer of a sulfonic acid, and conjugate acid of a Hydrogen sulfite. The other names for Sulfurous Acid are hydrogen thiosulfate, Sulfur Dioxide solution, and Trioxosulfuric Acid. It is an intermediate species that forms Acid rain from SO2 (Sulfur dioxide).

Sulfurous Acid Formula

Tbe formula for Sulfurous Acid is, H2SO3 it contains 2 Hydrogen atom, 1 Sufur atom and 3 Oxygen atom. The molecular mass of Sulfurous Acid is 82.07 g/mol.

Preparation of Sulfurous Acid (H2SO3)

Sulfurous Acid is prepared using the method as,

  • Sulfurous Acid (H2SO3) is prepared by dissolving Sulfur dioxide (SO2) in water (H2O). The chemical reaction is given below,

SO2 + H2O ⇢ H2SO3

Structure of Sulfurous Acid (H2SO3)

Sulfurous acid has the chemical formula H2SO3 and a molar mass of 82.07 g/mol. The chemical structure is illustrated in the diagram below. It comprises one sulfur atom with two single bonds to hydroxyl groups and one double bond to oxygen. The image of the Sulfurous acid is shown in the image added below.

Sulfurous Acid Formula

Properties of Sulfurous Acid (H2SO3)

The physical and the chemical properties of the Sulfurous acid are added in the article below,

Physical Properties of Sulfurous Acid

Various physical properties of the Sulfurous Acid are,

  • Sulfurous Acid is a colorless liquid.
  • Sulfurous Acid has a pungent odor.
  • Molecular weight of Sulfurous Acid is 82.07 g/mol.
  • Monoisotopic mass of Sulfurous Acid is 81.97 g/mol.
  • Boiling point of Sulfurous Acid is -60 °C.
  • Density of Sulfurous Acid is 1.03 g/mL.

Chemical Properties of Sulfurous Acid

Various chemical properties of the Sulfurous acid are,

  • Sulfurous Acid is unstable and has never been isolated in its pure state. H2SO3 decomposes into Sulfur dioxide and Water. The chemical reaction is given below-

H2SO3  â‡¢  SO2+H2O

  • Sulfurous Acid when exposed to air turns out to be Sulfuric Acid.

2H2SO3 + O2  â‡¢  2H2SO4

Uses of Sulfurous Acid (H2SO3)

Sulfurous Acid (H2SO3) has various uses and some of its common uses are,

  • Sulfurous Acid is used in manufacturing paper products.
  • H2SO3 and its salts are used as powerful reducing agents and disinfectants.
  • H2SO3 is used as an intermediate in industries.
  • Sulfurous Acid is a mild bleaching agent for applications with chlorine-sensitive materials.

Read More,

Sulfurous Acid Formula-FAQs

1. Is Sulfurous Acid a Strong Acid or Weak Acid?

Unlike sulfuric acid, sulfurous acid is a weak acid because it dissociates partially in water. Here bisulfite ion is comparatively stronger in maintaining a proton when there is a base like water.

2. What is the Molar Mass of Sulfurous Acid?

Molar mass of the Sulfurous Acid is 82.07 g/mol.

3. Is Sulfurous Acid Hazardous to Health?

Yes, Sulfurous Acid is dangerous compound. On contact may cause burns and by inhalation it irritate the neck and throat. This compound liberates toxic, corrosive and irritating gases. It also effects reproduction.

4. Is Sulfurous Acid Soluble in Water?

Sulfurous acid is a colorless liquid soluble in water. It hydrates to sulfuric acid which in turn dissociates into Bisulfite (HSO4–) and sulfite (SO32-) ions.

5. What are the Uses of Sulfurous Acid?

Sulfurous acid is used in manufacturing of paper products. It acts as disinfectant, reducing agent and bleaching agent and also as an electrolyte.

6. Is Sulfurous Acid an Electrolyte?

Sulfurous acid (H2SO3) is an electrolyte it has high electrical conductivity. It is used as electrolyte in Lead Acid batteries.

7. Does Sulfurous Acid dissolve in Water?

Yes, Sulfurous acid is soluble in polar solvent such as water and alcohol.

8. Is H2SO3 Strong or Weak Acid?

H2SO3 (Sulfurous Acid) is a Weak Acid.

9. What is the Formula For Sulfurous Acid?

The formula for Sulfurous Acid is H2SO3.



Last Updated : 24 Nov, 2023
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