Hydrogen sulfite typically refers to the polyatomic ion with the formula HSO₃⁻. It can also refer to sulfurous acid, which has the formula H₂SO₃. The most common usage, especially when referring to salts, is the HSO₃⁻ ion, also known as the bisulfite ion.
Understanding Hydrogen Sulfite
The term "hydrogen sulfite" is derived from the sulfite ion (SO₃²⁻). The hydrogen sulfite ion (HSO₃⁻) is formed when a hydrogen ion (H⁺) attaches to a sulfite ion (SO₃²⁻). This is why it carries a single negative charge overall: (+1) + (-2) = -1.
Sulfurous acid (H₂SO₃) is formed when a second hydrogen ion (H⁺) attaches to a hydrogen sulfite ion (HSO₃⁻), or more commonly, when sulfur dioxide (SO₂) dissolves in water (H₂O).
- Hydrogen Sulfite Ion (Bisulfite): HSO₃⁻
- Sulfurous Acid: H₂SO₃
Salts containing the HSO₃⁻ ion are called hydrogen sulfites or bisulfites (e.g., sodium bisulfite, NaHSO₃).
Hydrogen Sulfite vs. Hydrogen Sulfide
It is important not to confuse hydrogen sulfite with hydrogen sulfide. These are different chemical compounds with different properties and formulas.
- Hydrogen Sulfite: Contains sulfur and oxygen, typically as the HSO₃⁻ ion or H₂SO₃ molecule.
- Hydrogen Sulfide: Contains only sulfur and hydrogen, with the formula H₂S. It is a gas known for its rotten egg smell.
Information from the Provided Reference (Regarding Hydrogen Sulfide)
The reference provided discusses how to write the formula for hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), not hydrogen sulfite. While related through the element sulfur, the compounds are distinct.
According to the reference:
- Sulfur is represented by the symbol S.
- Hydrogen is represented by the symbol H.
- In hydrogen sulfide, sulfur has a charge of 2 minus (S²⁻).
- Hydrogen typically has a charge of 1 plus (H⁺).
- The reference states they have "hs" so far when writing the formula for hydrogen sulfide in the video segment.
Note: While the reference mentions "hs" as an initial step, the correct and balanced chemical formula for hydrogen sulfide, considering the charges of H⁺ and S²⁻, is H₂S. This involves two hydrogen atoms to balance the 2- charge of the sulfur atom.
Summary Table: Hydrogen Sulfite vs. Hydrogen Sulfide
To highlight the difference, here is a comparison:
| Feature | Hydrogen Sulfite (Ion) | Hydrogen Sulfurous Acid | Hydrogen Sulfide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Formula | HSO₃⁻ | H₂SO₃ | H₂S |
| Type | Polyatomic Ion | Acid | Binary Compound / Gas |
| Elements | Hydrogen, Sulfur, Oxygen | Hydrogen, Sulfur, Oxygen | Hydrogen, Sulfur |
| Related Anion | Sulfite (SO₃²⁻) | Sulfite (SO₃²⁻) | Sulfide (S²⁻) |
| Reference Info Applied? | No (Reference is for Hydrogen Sulfide) | No (Reference is for Hydrogen Sulfide) | Yes (Reference is about this) |
In conclusion, writing hydrogen sulfite involves understanding either the HSO₃⁻ ion or the H₂SO₃ molecule, depending on the context, and recognizing it is distinct from hydrogen sulfide (H₂S).
