Ammonium sulfite

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Not to be confused with ammonium sulfide or ammonium bisulfite.
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 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.

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.

References

Relevant Sciencemadness threads