Is Sodium Hydrosulfite A Reducing Agent Or An Oxidizing Agent?

Sodium hydrosulfite, also known as sodium dithionite, is a reducing agent. It is commonly used in various industrial processes as a reducing agent to remove or bleach colorants from materials such as textiles and paper products. In chemical reactions, sodium hydrosulfite donates electrons to another substance, causing it to be reduced. This is the opposite of an oxidizing agent, which accepts electrons and causes oxidation.