My supply of sodium sulfite is running low. I have a 5 pound bag of Sodium Metabisulfite. Any way I can convert the metabisulfite for use before I order more sulfite? Is it worth doing?
Thanks!
Thanks!
I guess you shoul order sodium sulfide right now...
Sodium Metabisulfite is a dehydrated form of Sodium Bisulfite: 2 NaHSO3 <----> Na2S2O5 + H2OAny way I can convert the metabisulfite for use before I order more sulfite? Is it worth doing?
Sodium Metabisulfite is a dehydrated form of Sodium Bisulfite: 2 NaHSO3 <----> Na2S2O5 + H2O
If you dissolve them in water, they will be the same. In aqueous solution you can convert the Sodium Metabisulfite to Sodium Sulfite by adding 2 moles of NaOH per mole of Na2S2O5.
In aqueous solution you can convert the Sodium Metabisulfite to Sodium Sulfite by adding 2 moles of NaOH per mole of Na2S2O5.
Let's all agree that mixing Sodium Metabisulfite and Sodium Hydroxide is an expensive and inconvenient substitute for Sodium Sulfite, but once you've run out you are at the mercy of whoever supplies you and this can take a few days if not more.
Let's all agree that those who make Sodium Sulfite commercially usually don't resort to APUG for instructions ...It's one of the commercial ways Sodium Sulphite is manufactured, so it's a logical but less practical option. On a larger scale it's cheaper.
Let's all agree that those who make Sodium Sulfite commercially usually don't resort to APUG for instructions ...
And your point is ?
On a smaller scale it's still an easy way to make concentrated Sulphite solutions, and to overcome Geralds comments about heat and spalttering you carry out the addition of the hydroxide slowly.
It's not rocket science and quite similar to making your own Sodium Metaborate (Kodalk) from Borax and Sodium Hydroxide which was quite normal outside the US where Metaborate was always harder to get hold of.
Ian
Look at (there was a url link here which no longer exists) for instructions on how to replace Kodalk with Borax and Sodium Hydroxide.We don't have kodalk here in Brazil. Thanks for this!
Look at (there was a url link here which no longer exists) for instructions on how to replace Kodalk with Borax and Sodium Hydroxide.
It's far from free when you factor in the time, trouble and perhaps other chemicals needed to convert it. And the OP lives in the US. Converting sodium metabisulfite to sodium sulfite rather than buying some is what I would have to call "penny wise and pound foolish".Jim, a chemical that you have sitting around unused and with no future purpose is basically free. That's hard to beat!
Xtol mops the floor with 99% of the home brew developer recipes that keep getting posted here over and over again. If it comes with free learning, it might still be worth the extra time and effort, and maybe some folks actually enjoy playing with photo chemistry in their leisure time.It's only free if you think that your time and effort isn't worth anything.
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