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Sodium Dithionite

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Identification
Molecular formula
Na2S2O4
CAS number
7775-14-6
IUPAC name
dithionite
State
State

At room temperature, sodium dithionite exists as a solid. It is commonly used as a reducing agent in various industrial and chemical processes.

Melting point (Celsius)
52.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
325.00
Boiling point (Celsius)
152.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
425.00
General information
Molecular weight
174.11g/mol
Molar mass
174.1070g/mol
Density
2.3800g/cm3
Appearence

Sodium dithionite is a white to grayish-white powder that may have a slight sulfur odor. It is typically found in crystalline or powdered form and can be prone to oxidation when exposed to air.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Dithionite (Na2S2O4)

Dithionite, denoted as Na2S2O4, is known for its fascinating solubility characteristics in water. Here are some key points regarding its solubility:

  • Highly Soluble: Dithionite is *very soluble* in water, making it a useful reagent in various chemical applications.
  • Impact of Temperature: Its solubility increases with temperature, meaning that higher temperatures can enhance the dissolution process.
  • Formation of Solutions: When dissolved, it typically forms a colorless solution, which is a unique characteristic in contrast to many other sulfur compounds.

As a result, the high solubility of Na2S2O4 allows it to participate readily in redox reactions and serves as a reducing agent in diverse chemical syntheses. However, it’s crucial to handle it with care because it can decompose, leading to the release of harmful gases like sulfur dioxide.

In summary, the solubility properties of dithionite make it a valuable compound in the field of chemistry, with its behavior influenced by both the concentration and temperature of the solution.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts About Dithionite (Na2S2O4)

Dithionite, also known as sodium dithionite, is a fascinating compound with a wide range of applications in chemistry and industry. Here are some compelling aspects of this unique compound:

  • Powerful Reducing Agent: Dithionite is widely recognized for its ability to act as a strong reducing agent. It can reduce various metallic ions and organic compounds, making it invaluable in chemical synthesis and analysis.
  • Usage in Dyeing: In the textile industry, sodium dithionite is employed as a reducing agent in the dyeing process, particularly for removing azo and other types of dyes from fabrics, allowing for effective stripping and re-dyeing.
  • Role in Photography: Historically, dithionite has found its application in photography, particularly in developing agents due to its reducing properties, contributing to the development of images.
  • Chemical Stability: Despite being a strong reducing agent, dithionite is quite stable under ambient conditions, which makes it easy to handle. However, it must be stored away from moisture as it can decompose in the presence of water.
  • Environmental Impact: Dithionite can be used in environmental chemistry to treat wastewater, effectively reducing the toxicity of certain pollutants, thereby helping to improve water quality.
  • Lab Synthesis: In laboratory settings, sodium dithionite is often synthesized from sodium metabisulfite and sulfur dioxide, highlighting its accessibility for research applications.

In summary, dithionite is more than just a chemical compound; it serves as a critical player in various fields, showcasing the beautiful complexity of chemistry in practical applications. As the saying goes, “Every molecule tells a story,” and dithionite’s story is one of versatility and innovation.

Synonyms
dithionite
Hydrosulfite
Dithionite dianion
14844-07-6
dithionite(2-)
Dithionous acid, ion(2-)
Dithionit
Dithionite (S2O42-)
17Q56Y5LKH
UNII-17Q56Y5LKH
CHEBI:42160
DTXSID40163986
bis(dioxidosulfate)(S--S)(2-)
[O2SSO2](2-)
S2O42-
[S2O4](2-)
2,3-dioxido-1,4-dioxy-2,3-disulfy-[4]catenate(2-)
hydrodisulfite
(O2SSO2)(2-)
(S2O4)(2-)
2,3-dioxido-1,4-dioxy-2,3-disulfy-(4)catenate(2-)
DTXCID5086477
GRWZHXKQBITJKP-UHFFFAOYSA-L
Q27104492