Sulfurous acid (British English: Sulphurous), also known as sulfur dioxide solution, H2SO3, is a mineral acid (not an organic acid), formed when sulfur dioxide dissolves in water. It is a strong reducing agent, and is used to bleach materials that may be damaged by chlorine. In the atmosphere, sulfurous acid may form when sulfur dioxide dissolves in rain drops, causing acid rain.
The compound is only known in aqueous solution and is not isolated in its pure state.
Last updated: 10-17-2005 11:32:55
