sulfurous acid

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a colorless liquid, H 2 SO 3 , having a suffocating odor, obtained by dissolving sulfur dioxide in water, known mainly by its salts, which are sulfites: used chiefly in organic synthesis and as a bleach.

sulfurous acid

1. A colorless solution of sulfur dioxide in water, characterized by a suffocating sulfurous odor. It is used as a bleaching agent, preservative, and disinfectant. Chemical formula: H 2 SO 3 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of sulfurous acid¹

First recorded in 1780–90

Example Sentences

If sulfurous acid is present, it will be oxidized to sulfuric acid and precipitated as barium sulfate by the barium chlorid.

From Project Gutenberg

If sulfurous acid is present a deep blue color forms at once.

From Project Gutenberg

Free sulfurous acid is not largely used as a food preservative, though its salts are quite commonly employed.

From Project Gutenberg

If a precipitate forms on the addition of barium chlorid the presence of sulfurous acid is indicated.

From Project Gutenberg