Abstract: A batch process, in which a sodium bisulfite compound is the alkaline agent, is described for producing anhydrous sodium dithionite at high productivity by reduction of sulfur dioxide with the formate radical in concentrated aqueous methanolic solution. Minimum amounts of water, in which sodium formate is dissolved, and of methanol, in which sulfur dioxide is dissolved, are used. The process provides the optimum productivity of U.S. Pat. No. 3,887,695 while obviating the hazards and freeze-up difficulties that are inherent in forming and transferring a sodium hydroxide solution at 160.degree. C. and also minimizes the amount of methyl formate formed at equilibrium after a large number of methanol recyclings.

Abstract: A convenient batch process for producing anhydrous sodium dithionite at high productivity by reduction of sulfur dioxide with formate ion in aqueous methanolic solution is described in which sodium carbonate, in the form of a dry powder, is the source of alkali. Minimum amounts of water, in which sodium formate is dissolved, and of methanol, in which sulfur dioxide is dissolved, are used. In one aspect, SO.sub.2 -methanol solution, aqueous sodium formate solution, and powdered sodium carbonate are added to a methanol puddle solution, obtained from a preceding run which contains methyl formate in an equilibrium amount which is usually 4-8%, according to specific schedules which are proportioned to the rate of solution of sodium carbonate in the aqueous methanolic solvent and to the rates of reaction of sulfur dioxide with sodium carbonate and with sodium formate to form sodium metabisulfite.

Abstract: Filtrate from a formate-sodium hydrosulfite preparation contains valuable amounts of sodium formate and sodium bisulfite, which are raw materials for the synthesis of sodium hydrosulfite. The filtrate also contains sodium thiosulfate which is a known catalyst for the decomposition of sodium hydrosulfite and, therefore, must not be introduced in with the raw materials. Accordingly the method concerns removing the sodium thiosulfate by means of ion exchange with a resin and directing the valuable sodium bisulfite and sodium formate effluent including methanol and water to a distillation column.