Chemical Properties
When freshly prepared, sodium formaldehyde sulfoxylate occurs as
white, odorless crystals, which quickly develop a characteristic
garlic odor on standing.
Chemical Properties
white solid; used as stripping and discharge agent for textiles [HAW93]
Uses
Sodium Hydroxymethanesulfinate Hydrate is the hydrated version of Sodium Hydroxymethanesulfinate (S634950), which is an organic reductant that is stable in alkaline enviroments but readily decomposes in acidic medium to produce a number of products, one of them being sulfur dioxide. Sodium hydroxymethanesulfinate is also used in conjunction with substituted anilines (e.g. p-Anisidine [A673505]) to synthesize anilinomethanesulfonates.
Uses
Pharmaceutic aid (preservative).
Production Methods
Sodium formaldehyde sulfoxylate is manufactured from sodium
dithionate and formaldehyde in water.
Flammability and Explosibility
Non flammable
Pharmaceutical Applications
Sodium formaldehyde sulfoxylate is a water-soluble antioxidant
and is generally used as the dihydrate. It is used in the formulation
of injection products at a level of up to 0.1% w/v in the final
preparation administered to the patient.
Safety
The toxicological properties of sodium formaldehyde sulfoxylate
have not been fully investigated. However, it is used in the
formulation of injection products at a level to 0.1% w/v in the
final preparation administered to the patient.
Sodium formaldehyde sulfoxylate is moderately toxic by
ingestion, and when heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes
of sulfur dioxide and sodium oxide.
LD50 (mouse, oral): 4 g/kg
LD50 (rat, IP): >2 g/kg
LD50 (rat, oral): >2 g/kg
storage
Store in well-closed, light-resistant containers at controlled room
temperature (15–30℃).
Purification Methods
It crystallises from H2O as the dihydrate and decomposes at higher temperatures. Store it in a closed container in a cool place. It is insoluble in EtOH and Et2O and is a good reducing agent. [X-ray structure: Tuter J Chem Soc 3064 1955.] Note that this compound {HOCH2SO2Na} should not be confused with formaldehyde sodium bisulfite adduct {HOCH2SO3Na} from which it is prepared by reduction with Zn. [Beilstein 1 IV 3052.]
Incompatibilities
Sodium formaldehyde sulfoxylate is incompatible with strong
oxidizing agents; it is decomposed by dilute acid.
Regulatory Status
Included in the FDA Inactive Ingredients Database (parenteral
products up to 0.1% via the IM, IV, and SC routes). Included in the
Canadian List of Acceptable Non-medicinal Ingredients.
