Chemical Properties
Also known as sodium acid sulfate, niter cake, sodium hydrogen sulfate, NaHS04, is colorless crystals or white fused lumps,whose aqueous solution is strongly acid.It is soluble in water and noncombustible. Derived as a byproduct in the manufacture of hydrochloric acid and nitric acid, it is purified by recrystallization. Used as a flux for decomposing minerals,substitute for sulfuric acid in dyeing,disinfectant, in the manufacture of sodium hydrosulfide,sodium sulfate,and soda slum,for liberating CO2 in carbonic acid baths,in thermophores, for carbonizing wool, in the manufacture of magnesia cements,paper,soap,perfumes, foods, industrial cleaners, metal pickling compounds, and as a lab reagent.
General Description
Bisulfate, aqueous solution is a white crystalline solid dissolved in water. BISULFATES, AQUEOUS SOLUTION(7681-38-1) is corrosive to metals and tissue.
Reactivity Profile
Acidic salts, such as various BISULFATES, are generally soluble in water. The resulting solutions contain moderate concentrations of hydrogen ions and have pH's of less than 7.0. They react as acids to neutralize bases. These neutralizations generate heat, but less or far less than is generated by neutralization of inorganic acids, inorganic oxoacids, and carboxylic acid. They usually do not react as either oxidizing agents or reducing agents but such behavior is not impossible. Many of these compounds catalyze organic reactions. The combination of calcium hypochlorite, sodium hydrogen sulfate, starch, and sodium carbonate, when compressed, caused the materials to incandescence, followed by explosion, [Ind. Eng. Chem., 1937, 15, 282].
Air & Water Reactions
Dissolves in water to give strongly acidic solutions.
Hazard
Strong irritant to tissue.
Health Hazard
TOXIC; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact with material may cause severe injury or death. Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes. Avoid any skin contact. Effects of contact or inhalation may be delayed. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause pollution.
Fire Hazard
Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes. Some are oxidizers and may ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.). Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. Containers may explode when heated.
Physical properties
Colorless crystals; triclinic structure; density 2.435g/cm3 at 13°C; melts above 315°C; decomposes on further heating; soluble in water, 28.6 g/100mL at 25°C; highly soluble in boiling water, 100g/100 mL at 100°C; aqueous solution strongly acidic, pH of 0.1 M solution 1.4; insoluble in liquid ammonia; decomposed by alcohol into sodium sulfate and sulfuric acid.
