Sulfur Dioxide

Description

Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂)

Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂) analysis determines total sulfur dioxide content, mg/L, by spectrophotometric methods.  It is naturally produced in the fermentation steps of beer production. As an additive, it also extends the shelf life of the beer, cider, & wine. When SO₂ is is added to a beverage it takes on one of three forms: Molecular SO₂, a SO₂ Salt, and a gaseous SO₂ Sulfite. When both Molecular & Salty SO₂ are entirely attached to the other compounds in the beverage they become Bound SO₂, leaving the remaining unbound sulfur to form the gaseous Free SO₂. Free SO₂ can be responsible for the sulfuric smell of freshly opened wine bottles. The measurement of both types (Bound & Free) is Total Sulfur Dioxide.