7645. Potassium Metabisulfite

Nomenclature

CAS number: 16731-55-8
Potassium pyrosulfite.
K2O5S2; mol wt 222.32.
K 35.17%, O 35.98%, S 28.85%.
K2S2O5.

Description and references

The article of commerce contains ≈95% K2S2O5.

Properties

White crystals or cryst powder; sulfur dioxide odor; acid reaction; liberates SO2 with acids; oxidizes in air to sulfate, more readily in presence of moisture. It may catch fire if much heat develops in powdering it. Freely sol in water; insol in alcohol. Keep dry and well closed.

Use

As antifermentative in breweries and wineries; bleaching straw; preservative for fruits and vegetables.