Sulfite vs. Sulfide — What's the Difference?

Sulfites or sulphites are compounds that contain the sulfite ion (or the sulfate(IV) ion, from its correct systematic name), SO2−3. The sulfite ion is the conjugate base of bisulfite.

Sulfide (British English also sulphide) is an inorganic anion of sulfur with the chemical formula S2− or a compound containing one or more S2− ions. Solutions of sulfide salts are corrosive.

The divalent anionic group SO3, derived from sulfurous acid, or a compound containing this group.

Divalent sulfur, or a compound of divalent sulfur with an electropositive element or group, especially a binary compound of sulfur with a metal.

Any salt of sulfurous acid.

Any compound of sulfur and a metal or other electropositive element or group.

A compound of sulphur and some other element that is more electropositive