Sodium bisulfate

Sodium bisulfate (CAS 7681-38-1), also sold as sodium acid sulfate, is a dry acid used to lower pH and adjust acidity.

Where is Sodium bisulfate used?

• Food processing: acidulant and pH regulator in meat products and potato-based foods
• Water treatment: reduces alkalinity and adjusts pH in pools, municipal systems and industrial effluent streams
• Metal finishing and mining: pickles metal surfaces and dissolves oxide layers
• Cleaning formulations: acidic backbone for descalers, toilet bowl cleaners and hard surface products
• It serves as a solid replacement for liquid mineral acids in handling processes.
• Jewelry making: used as a primary ingredient to clean surfaces.
• Food additive in yeast-raised cake mixes as a leavening agent.

Good to know: Its solid form is a practical alternative to sulfuric acid where liquid acids present handling or logistics challenges. Granular form is preferred for bulk handling, reducing dust exposure during dosing.

Formulation notes

• Reacts strongly with strong bases and strong oxidizing agents.
• Safer and easier to use than hydrochloric (muriatic) acid.

Typical specification

• Food grade has actives content of 92-100%.
• Supplied in crystal, granule and powder forms.
• Commonly available in both anhydrous and monohydrate forms.
• Corresponds to at least 37.6% equivalent H2SO4 by titration with NaOH.

Regulatory status

• Monohydrate is classified as causing serious eye damage/eye irritation Category 1 with hazard statement H318.
• Food grade is listed on the Safer Chemical Ingredient List.
• Approved by AAFCO as a general-purpose feed additive, including for complementary pet food.

Storage, packaging and handling

• Typically supplied in bulk tankers, 200-liter drums, and 1,000-liter IBCs.
• During storage, protect from moisture.
• Store in a dry environment, away from moisture, with suitable ventilation conditions.

Frequently asked questions about Sodium bisulfate

In which textile processes can sodium bisulfate be used?

It can be used as a pH regulator in dyeing and finishing processes in the textile sector.

Technical content is compiled and updated by the SoleChem product team from public technical sources; the certificate of analysis (COA) governs product-specific specifications.