What is the role of a sodium bisulfite wash in a laboratory Sn1 preparation of cyclohexyl chloride?

Question

The reaction to create cyclohexyl chloride was through the reactants cyclohexanol, ZnCl2 and HCl. It was then drained of HCl and ZnCl2 through a separatory funnel, washed with water, drained and washed with sodium bisulfite. Why do you add sodium bisulfite (NaHSO3)? Chemical reactions would be appreciated. Oh yeah, and there's evolution of gas.

Answer 1

Zn Cl2 is an oxidizing chlorinating agent.  Bisulfite is a reducing agent.  It helps to remove the zinc chloride and neutralize it.  

2 H+  + 2 HSO3-  + 2 e-  Ã¢Â€Â”> S2O42- + 2 H2O

Answer 2

bisulfite is for trapping residues of zncl2.it also reacts with hcl to form a gas