Ammonium sulfite
| Names | |
|---|---|
| IUPAC name
Ammonium sulfite
| |
| Other names
Ammonium sulphite
Diammonium sulfite Diammonium sulfonate Diazanium sulfite Sulfurous acid, diammonium salt | |
| Properties | |
| (NH4)2SO3 (anhydrous) (NH4)2SO3·H2O (monohydrate) | |
| Molar mass | 116.14 g/mol |
| Appearance | Whitish hygroscopic solid |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 1.41 g/cm3 (at 25 °C) |
| Melting point | 65 °C (149 °F; 338 K) (decomposes) |
| Boiling point | Decomposes |
| 32.4g/100ml (at 0 °C) 35.0 g/100 ml (at 20 °C) 60.4g/100ml (at 100 °C) | |
| Solubility | Reacts with acids Insoluble in acetone, ethanol, toluene |
| Hazards | |
| Safety data sheet | Sigma Aldrich (monohydrate) |
| Flash point | Non-flammable |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds
|
Ammonium bisulfite Ammonium sulfate |
| Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). | |
| Infobox references | |
Ammonium sulfite is a colorless hygroscopic salt of ammonia with the formula (NH4)2SO3.
Contents
Properties
Chemical
Ammonium sulfite is slowly oxidized to ammonium sulfate in open air.
- (NH4)2SO3 + ½ O2 → (NH4)2SO4
Addition of a strong acid will release sulfur dioxide:
- (NH4)2SO3 + 2 HCl → 2 NH4Cl + SO2 + H2O
Physical
Ammonium sulfite is a colorless hygroscopic solid, soluble in water but insoluble in organic solvents.
Availability
Some hair straightening and waving products contain ammonium sulfite. It can also be found on Amazon.
Lastly it can also be bought from suppliers.
Preparation
Like most sulfites, ammonium sulfite can be made by bubbling sulfur dioxide through a cold solution of excess ammonia.
Projects
- Reducing agent
- Make ammonium sulfate
Handling
Safety
Ammonium sulfite has low toxicity, though it can be irritant on contact.
Storage
In sealed bottles, away from air or acids.
Disposal
Leaving it in open air will convert it in ammonium sulfate. Bleach or hydrogen peroxide can also be used to accelerate the reaction. The resulting ammonium sulfate can be poured down the drain, thrown in the trash or dumped in ground.
