Description
Now more commonly known as calcium hydrogensulfite, Ca(HS03)2 is a compound known only in solution. The colorless aqueous solution smells like sulfur dioxide and is made by dissolving calcium sulfite in aqueous S02 solution, or by passing S02 through calcium hydroxide suspensions. Used in large amounts to make cellulose by the sulfite process, it is also used to disinfect barns, as an antiseptic in medicine, and as a preservative.
Chemical Properties
solution of calcium sulfite in an aqueous solution of sulfur dioxide; yellowish liquid; used in bleaching textiles [HAW93]
Uses
As germicide, preservative, and disinfectant; for washing (1:1000) casks in brewing to prevent souring and cloudiness of beer and to prevent secondary fermentation; as antichlor in bleaching fabrics; largely in manufacture of sulfite cellulose from wood for paper-making.
Safety Profile
A poison via ingestion.
Strong irritant via skin and eye contact,
ingestion, and inhalation. Spontaneously
combukible. When heated to
decomposition it emits toxic fumes of SOx
See also SULFITES and SULFUROUS ACID
