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Bisulphite ion

Bisulfite is an ion used in the brewing industry and in the paper industry.

Chemical Formula: HSO₃^-

Layman's explanation: Bisulfite is the name for any salt containing the ion -HSO3 or an ester RHSO3, where R is any organic group. The most common bisulfite is sodium bisulfite. This is a white solid, which decomposes readily upon heating, yielding sodium sulfate, sulfur dioxide, and sulfur. This bisulfite compound is made by saturating a solution of sodium carbonate with sulfur dioxide. Bisulfite has many common uses. This compound is applied in the brewing industry, where it is used to sterilize wine casks, to prevent fermentation yeast, and to prevent spoilage bacteria in the wine. Bisulfite is also used to prevent fruits from darkening. Another major use of bisulfite is in the paper industry, where it is combined with calcium, magnesium, and ammonium ions and used to make the paper.

Keywords: paper industry, brewing industry

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