Chemical Symbol: SO2
Synonym: Sulfurous acid anhydride
Description
Sulfur dioxide is formed by sulfur and oxygen. It is colorless and
nonflammable with a pungent odor. In liquid form it is slightly heavier
than water, while as a gas it is more than two times as heavy as air.
Dry sulfur dioxide is noncorrosive, but when combined with water it
becomes corrosive to most metals.
Uses
Sulfur dioxide has several areas of usage due to its chemical and physical
characteristics, such as its oxidizing and reducing properties, while
the gas also is a desired solvent for many chemicals. The gas is used
as a preservative in the food industry. It is also used in industries
such as petroleum, pulp and paper, glass, sweetener, beverage, mining,
water and wastewater treatment, clay, electric power, textiles, farming
and chemical.
