Potassium Metabisulphite Extra Pure

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Potassium Metabisulphite Extra Pure is a white crystalline powder with a sharp sulfurous odor, valued for its powerful antioxidant and preservative properties. In the food and beverage industry, it is commonly used as a sterilizing agent, particularly in winemaking and brewing, to inhibit unwanted microbial activity and preserve color and flavor. In laboratory settings, it serves as a reducing agent and a source of sulfur dioxide. Its extra pure grade ensures minimal impurities, making it ideal for applications that demand high levels of chemical stability, such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and precision formulations.

Description

Potassium Metabisulphite Extra Pure

PRIMARY USES

  • Food Preservative (E224):

    • Widely used in wine, fruit juices, and dried fruits as an antimicrobial and antioxidant.

    • Prevents spoilage and discoloration by inhibiting bacteria, molds, and yeasts.

  • Winemaking and Brewing:

    • Acts as a sterilizing agent for musts and fermentation vessels.

    • Prevents unwanted fermentation by wild yeasts and preserves flavor and color.

  • Analytical Chemistry:

    • Used as a reducing agent and source of SOâ‚‚ gas in laboratories.

    • Employed in iodometric titrations and for chlorine removal in water samples.

SECONDARY USES

  • Water Treatment:

    • Used for dechlorination of potable water and wastewater by neutralizing free chlorine and chloramines.

  • Textile and Leather Industry:

    • Functions as a bleaching agent and antichlor after fabric chlorination processes.

  • Photographic Industry:

    • Used in the preparation of developers and fixing solutions as an oxygen scavenger.
PRODUCT KEY FEATURES

1. Basic Identification Attributes

  • Chemical Name: Potassium Metabisulphite

  • CAS Number: 16731-55-8

  • HS Code: 2832.20.00

  • Molecular Formula: Kâ‚‚Sâ‚‚Oâ‚…

  • Synonyms:

    • Potassium pyrosulphite

    • Dipotassium disulphite

    • E224 (as a food preservative)

    • Potassium metabisulfite

2. Physical & Chemical Properties

  • Physical State: Solid (powder or crystalline granules)

  • Color & Odor: White or slightly yellow; pungent sulfur dioxide-like odor

  • Boiling Point & Melting Point:

    • Decomposes before boiling

    • Melting Point: ~190 °C (decomposes)

  • Density/Specific Gravity: ~2.34 g/cm³

  • Solubility:

    • Soluble in water (65 g/100 mL at 20 °C)

    • Insoluble in ethanol

  • pH Level: Acidic (pH ~3.5–5.0 in 10% aqueous solution)

  • Vapor Pressure & Volatility: Low volatility; releases SOâ‚‚ on contact with acid or moisture

  • Flash Point: Not flammable

  • Autoignition Temperature: Not applicable

  • Viscosity: Not applicable (solid)

3. Safety & Hazard Attributes

  • Hazard Class (GHS Classification):

    • Irritant (skin and eye)

    • Respiratory irritant

    • May cause allergic respiratory reaction (asthma-like symptoms)

  • NFPA Ratings:

    • Health: 2

    • Flammability: 0

    • Reactivity: 1

  • Exposure Limits:

    • TLV (ACGIH): 5 ppm (as SOâ‚‚)

    • OSHA PEL: 5 ppm (as SOâ‚‚)

  • Reactivity:

    • Reacts with acids to release sulfur dioxide gas

    • Incompatible with strong oxidizers and acids

4. Storage & Handling Attributes

  • Storage Conditions:

    • Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area

    • Protect from moisture and light

  • Incompatible Materials:

    • Acids, water (moisture), oxidizers

  • Container Type:

    • Plastic or coated metal containers with moisture-proof seals

  • Shelf Life & Expiration Date:

    • Typically 1–2 years when stored properly

  • Special Handling Requirements:

    • Use gloves, goggles, dust mask or fume hood in bulk handling

    • Avoid inhalation and contact with moisture

5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes

  • Regulatory Status:

    • Approved food additive (E224, preservative)

    • Listed in REACH, TSCA, and FDA

  • Transportation Restrictions:

    • Not classified as dangerous goods for transport

  • Waste Disposal Method:

    • Dispose according to local regulations

    • Dilute and neutralize before disposal if permitted

6. Environmental & Health Impact

  • Ecotoxicity:

    • Toxic to aquatic organisms in high concentrations

    • Risk of oxygen depletion in water due to SOâ‚‚ release

  • Persistence in Environment:

    • Not persistent; degrades rapidly in moist air or water

  • Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity:

    • Not classified as carcinogenic or mutagenic

  • Biodegradability:

    • Decomposes readily in the environment to sulfate
SAFETY HANDLING PRECAUTIONS

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

  • Chemical-resistant gloves (e.g., nitrile)

  • Protective goggles or face shield

  • Lab coat or apron

  • Use in a fume hood or well-ventilated area

Handling:

  • Avoid inhalation of dust or vapors

  • Prevent contact with skin, eyes, and clothing

  • Avoid generating dust

  • Use only with proper ventilation

Storage:

  • Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place

  • Keep container tightly closed

  • Protect from heat, moisture, acids, and oxidizing agents

FIRST AID MEASURES

Inhalation:

  • Move person to fresh air immediately

  • If breathing is difficult, provide oxygen and seek medical attention

Skin Contact:

  • Remove contaminated clothing

  • Wash thoroughly with soap and water

  • Seek medical advice if irritation occurs

Eye Contact:

  • Rinse thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes

  • Seek medical attention promptly

Ingestion:

  • Rinse mouth thoroughly

  • Do not induce vomiting

  • Give water or milk if conscious

  • Get medical assistance immediately

FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES

Flammability:

  • Non-flammable, but may release toxic gases

Extinguishing Media:

  • Use water spray, dry chemical, foam, or COâ‚‚

Hazardous Combustion Products:

  • Sulfur dioxide (SOâ‚‚), potassium oxides

Firefighter Protection:

  • Wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)

  • Avoid inhaling gases or fumes from fire

  • Control runoff to prevent environmental contamination