Ammonium bisulfite

Chemical Properties

Ammonium sulfite is a colorless to yellow crystalline (sand-like or sugar-like) solid, normally sold or used in a 40% solution.

Chemical Properties

Ammonium bisulfite is a white crystalline solid or colorless to yellow solution.

Uses

Preservative.

General Description

Ammonium bisulfite is colorless crystals which are soluble in water. Ammonium bisulfite is noncombustible. Ammonium bisulfite is corrosive to aluminum. Ammonium bisulfite is a strong irritant to skin and mucous membranes. Ammonium bisulfite is toxic by skin absorption.

Air & Water Reactions

Water soluble.

Reactivity Profile

Inorganic reducing agents, such as AMMONIUM BISULFITE, react with oxidizing agents to generate heat and products that may be flammable, combustible, or otherwise reactive. Their reactions with oxidizing agents may be violent. Sulfites and hydrosulfites (dithionites) can react explosively with strong oxidizing agents. Sulfites generate gaseous sulfur dioxide in contact with oxidizing acids and nonoxidizing acids.

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

Special Hazards of Combustion Products: None

Safety Profile

A corrosive solid. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic vapors of NH4-

Potential Exposure

Used as a preservative, in drilling fluids, making industrial explosives, hair waving and bleaching agents; for making other chemicals. A source of sulfur in liquid fertilizers.

Shipping

UN2693 Bisulfites, inorganic, aqueous solutions, n.o.s., Hazard class: 8; Labels: 8-Corrosive material. UN3077 Environmentally hazardous substances, solid, n.o. s., Hazard class: 9; Labels: 9-Miscellaneous hazardous material, Technical Name Required.

Incompatibilities

Sulfites react explosively on contact with oxidizers. Reacts with acids, acid fumes releasing sulfur dioxide. Reacts with water. Corrosive to metals.

Waste Disposal

Incinerate. It may be possible to dispose of waste material at a municipal facility if treated, neutralized, and oxidized.