colorless crystal(s); loses H2O and gradually oxidizes to (NH4)2SO4 when heated in air; hygroscopic; used in medicine, metal lubricants, as a chemical reducing agent [MER06] [HAW93]
White or pale yellow solution. Thermal decomposition. Soluble in water, slightly soluble in ethanol, hardly soluble in acetone. The relative density of the saturated solution is 1.1995 (20°C), which is alkaline. Strong corrosion to steel.
Ammonium Sulfite is an additive used in the production of
caramel.
Ammonium sulfite monohydrate is used in caramel coloring in the food industry. It is also used in cosmetics as a hair straightening agent and a hair waving agent. It acts as a reducing agent in photography. Further, it is used in the production of bricks in order to use in blast furnace linings. In addition to this, it used in gas scrubbers.
Ammonium sulfite monohydrate can be obtained by the action of ammonia and sulfurous acid, or sulfur dioxide can be passed into ammonia or (NH4)2CO3 solution, at about 0 reaction.
Air sensitive. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents, ammonia and acids.
