Sodium bisulfate - NaHSO4

What is Sodium Bisulfate?

NaHSO4 is a sodium salt of the bisulfate anion with chemical name Sodium bisulfate. It is also called Sodium acid sulfate or Bisulfate of soda or Sodium hydrosulfate. In its anhydrous form, it is hygroscopic. The solutions are acidic with a pH value of 1 for every 1M solution.

Sodium acid sulfate is a dry granular compound white in colour. It dissolves in water and is corrosive to tissues and metals.

Table of Content

Sodium bisulfate structure – NaHSO4

The structure of sodium bisulfate molecules (sodium hydrogen sulfate molecules) is illustrated below. It can be noted that this compound features an ionic bond between the positively charged sodium cation and the negatively charged bisulfate anion.

Structure of Sodium bisulfate

The exact mass and the monoisotopic mass of Sodium acid sulfate is 119.949 g/mol. The number of hydrogen bond acceptors equals to four and the number of hydrogen bond donor equals to one. This compound is canonicalized and has two covalently bonded units.

Properties of Sodium Bisulfate – NaHSO4

NaHSO4 Sodium bisulfate
Molecular weight of NaHSO4 120.06 g/mol (anhydrous)
Density of Sodium bisulfate 2.742 g/cm3 (anhydrous)
Boiling point of Sodium bisulfate Decomposes at 315 °C
Melting point of Sodium bisulfate 150°C

Production of Sodium Hydrogen Sulfate

At an industrial scale Bisulfate of soda is obtained as an intermediate via Mannheim process which involves the reaction of sodium chloride (NaCl) and sulfuric acid (H2SO4):

NaCl + H2SO4 → HCl + NaHSO4

The above reaction is an extremely exothermic reaction. The liquid NaHSO4 produced is sprayed and allowed to cool to form a solid bead.

Chemical reactions of Sodium Bisulfate

At 58 °C, the hydrated sodium bisulfate dehydrates and separates from the water molecule which is attached to it. It is allowed to cool. Heating it to 280 °C gives sodium pyrosulfate which is a colourless salt:

2 NaHSO4 → Na2S2O7 + H2O

Uses of Sodium Bisulfate-NaHSO4

  • Sodium bisulfate is used to lower the pH of water in swimming pools.
  • Used in metal finishing.
  • Used in the chicken house to reduce the concentration of Salmonella.
  • Used as a bleaching agent.
  • Used as a catalyst.
  • Used in the manufacturing of paper products.
  • Used in the water treatment products.
  • Used in paints.
  • Used in agricultural chemicals.
  • Used in velvet cloths.

Health hazards associated with Sodium Hydrogen Sulfate

Sodium hydrosulfate is a toxic, corrosive and non-combustible compound. Inhaling, swallowing or skin contact causes severe injury or leads to death. Oh heating, it liberates irritating and toxic gases.

Frequently Asked Questions-FAQs

Q1

1. What is the use of sodium bisulphate?

Sodium bisulfate is used as a bleaching agent, to lower the pH of water in swimming pools, water treatment products and manufacturing of paper products etc.

Q2

2.What is the sodium bisulfite test used for?

Sodium bisulfite test used to identify the presence of carbonyl group in the compound. A saturated solution of sodium bisulfite is taken in a clean test tube. 1ml of the given organic compound added to be tested. Shake well and leave it for 15-20 minutes. If there is a formation of white crystalline precipitate then the presence of the carbonyl group is confirmed.

Q3

3. What is the pH of sodium bisulfite?

40% aqueous solution of Sodium bisulfite is a pale-yellow liquid and the PH of the solution is 3.6 – 4.6.

Q4

4. Why is sodium bisulfite acidic?

Sodium bisulfite or sodium hydrogen sulfate is prepared by the reaction of sodium chloride (NaCl) and sulfuric acid (H2SO4) due to substitution of only one acidic proton of the diprotic sulfuric acid. It behaves as acid.

Q5

5. What are the properties of sodium bisulfite?

Sodium bisulfite is white solid, it is slightly sulfurous odour, soluble in water, the density of sodium bisulfite is 1.48 g/cm3. Melting point of sodium bisulfite is 150℃ and the boiling point is 315℃.

Learn more about the Structure, physical and chemical properties of NaHSO4 from the experts at BYJU’S.

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