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What Is Sodium Bisulfate?

Sodium bisulfate is a common ionic compound made from the combination of sodium, hydrogen, sulfur and oxygen ions. Although it is acidic and can be dangerous in high concentrations, sodium bisulfate is also an incredibly useful substance. Many of our common household products and processed foods use sodium bisulfate as a key ingredient for cleaning and preservation purposes.

  1. Identification

    • The chemical formula for sodium bisulfate is NaHSO4. The compound is also named sodium hydrogen sulfate, sodium acid sulfate, bisulfate of soda, monosodium salt and monohydrate. Sodium bisulfate is usually diluted by water when used commercially or in chemical experimentation.

    Features

    • Sodium bisulfate is an acidic ion that dissolves well in water. In its solid form, sodium bisulfate has clear crystals and is odorless. Sodium bisulfate is strongly acidic, with a pH of only 1.4.

    Warnings

    • Sodium bisulfate is a strong acid and can be very dangerous if used improperly. The inhalation of sodium bisulfate fumes can cause irritation of the lungs or mucous membranes. In severe cases, inhalation can even lead to lung edema. If ingested, the corrosive properties of sodium bisulfate can cause internal burns and vomiting. As an acid, high concentration sodium bisulfate causes severe burns to the skin and eyes.

    Exposure

    • It is important to seek medical attention if any accidental exposure occurs. For minor cases of inhalation, the breathing of clean air can remedy the problem. If you ingest sodium bisulfate, you should drink water and seek medical help as soon as possible. You should not try to vomit the ingested material. If sodium bisulfate comes into contact with the skin or eyes, you need to flush the area with water.

    Benefits

    • Despite its dangerous properties, sodium bisulfate is an incredibly useful product. Many household cleaners, especially toilet cleaning products, contain high quantities of sodium bisulfate. Sodium bisulfate can also be used to reduce the alkalinity of liquids, such as the water in swimming pools. The preservative qualities of sodium bisulfate make it a common part of food preservation and processing.

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