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.