Bisulphite is a chemical compound widely used in industries for its bleaching and disinfecting properties. The spelling of the word is a bit peculiar, as it features a silent 'h' in the middle of the word. Its phonetic transcription is /baɪˈsʌlfɪt/, which represents the two syllables that make up the word. The 'i' and 'u' in the spelling and transcription correspond to the sounds pronounced in 'bike' and 'full,' respectively. The 'ph' in 'sulph' represents the 'f' sound, common in British English spelling.
Bisulphite is a chemical compound that consists of a negatively charged sulphite ion (SO3) combined with two hydrogen ions (H+), forming the chemical formula HSO3-. It is commonly referred to as a bisulphite ion. The term "bisulphite" is derived from the combination of the prefix "bi-", indicating two, and "sulphite," referring to the sulphur-containing compound, sulphite.
Bisulphite compounds are widely used in various industries and applications due to their chemical properties. They are frequently employed as reducing agents, preservatives, and antioxidants. Bisulphite solutions are commonly used in the food industry to prevent the oxidation and spoilage of food products, especially fruits and vegetables. The bisulphite ion reacts with oxygen, inhibiting oxidative reactions and enzymatic browning.
In addition to its applications in the food industry, bisulphite is also used in various other fields. It is commonly utilized as a bleaching agent in the textile industry, aiding in the removal of color from fabrics. Bisulphite compounds are also employed in water treatment processes to remove excess chlorine and other disinfectant agents. Furthermore, they find use in photography as a developing agent to transform exposed silver halide crystals into a visible image.
Overall, bisulphite is a versatile chemical compound used in several industries for its reducing, preserving, and antioxidant properties. Its ability to inhibit oxidation and enzymatic browning makes it an essential ingredient in food processing, while its reducing capabilities find applications in textiles, water treatment, and photography.
A compound containing two equivalents of sulphurous acid to one of the base.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "bisulphite" is derived from the combination of two components: "bi-" and "sulphite".
The prefix "bi-" originates from the Ancient Greek word "bis", meaning "twice" or "two". It serves as a prefix in numerous scientific terms to indicate two or double.
The term "sulphite" refers to a salt or ester of sulfurous acid, which itself stems from the element "sulfur". "Sulphur" comes from the Latin word "sulfur", which can be traced back to the Sanskrit word "sulfur" and the Greek word "sulphur".
Therefore, "bisulphite" essentially means "two sulfite" or "double sulfite", indicating the presence of two sulfite ions in the compound.