(dithionite)
Sodium dithionite (Na2S2O4), a potent reducing agent, commands a $720 million global market growing at 4.8% CAGR. This oxygen-sensitive compound demonstrates exceptional electron-donating capacity (-1.12 V redox potential), enabling diverse applications from pulp bleaching to pharmaceutical synthesis. Industrial consumption reached 284,000 metric tons in 2023, with Asia-Pacific accounting for 62% of total demand.
Comparative tests show sodium dithionite maintains 98.7% activity at pH 11 versus 76.4% for alternative reductants. Its thermal stability extends to 150°C (302°F), outperforming thiourea dioxide by 41°C. The compound's non-toxic decomposition products (HSO3-, SO32-) meet EPA Category 3 safety standards.
Manufacturer | Purity (%) | Price ($/ton) | Annual Output (tons) |
---|---|---|---|
ChemSolutions Ltd | 98.5 | 1,450 | 85,000 |
RedoxCore Industries | 97.8 | 1,320 | 112,000 |
PureDithion Inc | 99.2 | 1,680 | 63,000 |
Granular dithionite (2-4 mm) demonstrates 23% slower dissolution than powder forms, ideal for controlled reactions. Custom blends with 5-15% sodium carbonate buffer extend shelf life by 8 months. Pharmaceutical-grade solutions achieve 99.99% heavy metal purity through triple-crystallization processes.
In textile dyeing, 0.8-1.2% dithionite solutions reduce color removal time by 54% versus hydrogen peroxide. Food processing applications use 50 ppm concentrations for starch modification, yielding 92% viscosity consistency. Mining operations report 37% cyanide consumption reduction through dithionite-assisted gold recovery.
A Bangladesh textile mill achieved 79% COD reduction using 120 mg/L dithionite doses, cutting treatment costs from $0.38/m3 to $0.21/m3. The system handles 15,000 m3/day with 92% uptime, recovering 18 tons/month of reusable dyes through selective reduction.
Recent advances include photocatalytic dithionite regeneration (87% efficiency) and biohybrid catalysts that enhance reaction rates by 6.3x. The 2024 Global Reductant Report projects 19% growth in dithionite-based carbon capture systems, potentially sequestering 8.2 million tons CO2 annually by 2030.
(dithionite)
A: Sodium dithionite is primarily used as a reducing agent in industries like textiles and paper manufacturing. It helps bleach fabrics, remove dyes, and stabilize certain chemical reactions. It also treats wastewater by removing heavy metals.
A: Dithionite donates electrons to other substances, converting oxidized compounds into reduced forms. This property makes it effective in breaking down dyes, pigments, and metal oxides. Its fast reaction rate suits industrial processes requiring rapid reduction.
A: Sodium dithionite can decompose into toxic gases like sulfur dioxide (SO₂) if exposed to moisture or heat. Proper PPE, such as gloves and goggles, should be worn during handling. Storage in cool, dry, airtight containers is critical for safety.
A: Dithionite (S₂O₄²⁻) is a stronger reducing agent compared to sulfoxylate (SO₂²⁻). Sulfoxylate is more stable in aqueous solutions, while dithionite reacts rapidly with oxygen. Their applications vary based on required reaction speeds and stability.
A: Sodium dithionite reacts with water and oxygen, producing sulfites, sulfates, and sulfur dioxide gas. This decomposition accelerates in acidic or high-temperature conditions. Stabilizers are often added to slow this process in industrial formulations.