What Other Compounds Can Sodium Metabisulfite React With Besides Water?

Sodium metabisulfite (Na2S2O5) can react with a variety of compounds besides water, including:

1. Acids: Sodium metabisulfite reacts with acids to release sulfur dioxide gas. This reaction is used in commercial applications such as food preservation and water treatment.

2. Aldehydes and Ketones: Sodium metabisulfite can react with aldehydes and ketones to form bisulfite adducts. This reaction is often used as a test for the presence of aldehydes and ketones in organic chemistry.

3. Halogens: Sodium metabisulfite can react with halogens such as chlorine and bromine to release sulfur dioxide gas. This reaction is used in water treatment to remove excess halogens.

4. Nitrites: Sodium metabisulfite can react with nitrites to form nitrogen oxide gas. This reaction is used in food preservation to inhibit bacterial growth.

Overall, sodium metabisulfite's reactivity with various compounds makes it a versatile chemical with many practical applications.