Sodium Metabisulphate: A Versatile Preservative, Sanitizer, And Antioxidant

Sodium Metabisulphate (Na₂S₂O₅) is a white crystalline powder known for its strong preservative, antioxidant, and disinfectant properties. It finds widespread use in industries ranging from food and beverage to water treatment, photography, and chemical synthesis. Also commonly known as disodium metabisulfite or SMBS, this compound offers remarkable versatility with high efficacy at relatively low concentrations.

At Amaris Chemical Solutions, our Sodium Metabisulphate is available in high-purity, food-grade and technical-grade variants to meet the demands of both laboratory and large-scale industrial applications.

🧪 What is Sodium Metabisulphate?

Sodium Metabisulphate is a sulfite compound that releases sulfur dioxide (SO₂) when dissolved in water or upon contact with acidic solutions. This release of SO₂ is central to its function as:

• A microbial inhibitor (preservative)
  
• An oxygen scavenger (antioxidant)
  
• A sanitizing agent for surfaces and equipment
  

🔍 Major Applications of Sodium Metabisulphate

1. Food and Beverage Industry

Sodium Metabisulphate is widely used as a food preservative (E223) due to its ability to inhibit the growth of bacteria, yeasts, and molds. It is found in:

• Dried fruits, juices, wines, pickles, and jams
  
• Processed potato products like chips and fries
  
• Beverage bottling plants for sanitation and preservation
  

In wine and beer making, it prevents spoilage and oxidation, preserving both color and flavor during fermentation and storage.

2. Sanitization and Disinfection

Its strong antimicrobial properties make it an effective sterilizing agent for:

• Bottling equipment and fermentation vessels
  
• Water purification systems
  
• Pharmaceutical instruments
  

SMBS acts rapidly against microorganisms when used in aqueous form, making it a go-to chemical for hygienic maintenance.

3. Water Treatment

In industrial and municipal water treatment, Sodium Metabisulphate serves as a dechlorination agent, neutralizing residual chlorine or chloramine after water disinfection processes. It’s essential for:

• RO (Reverse Osmosis) membrane systems
  
• Boiler feedwater pre-treatment
  
• Effluent treatment plants
  

4. Photographic and Printing Industry

Used as a developing agent in traditional photography, Sodium Metabisulphate helps in fixing and stabilizing images. It also finds limited applications in textile dyeing and paper bleaching.

5. Chemical Manufacturing

SMBS is a useful reducing agent and serves as an intermediate in the synthesis of various sulfur-containing compounds. It is also employed in:

• Leather tanning
  
• Rubber and plastic additive production
  
• Cleaning formulations
  

⚙️ Key Chemical & Physical Properties

• Chemical Formula: Na₂S₂O₅
  
• Molar Mass: 190.1 g/mol
  
• Appearance: White to off-white crystalline powder
  
• Solubility: Highly soluble in water
  
• pH (1% solution): ~4.0–5.5
  
• Odor: Pungent, due to SO₂ release
  
• Reactivity: Reacts with acids to release sulfur dioxide gas
  

Because it decomposes in moist or acidic environments, it must be handled with care and stored in airtight, dry conditions.

⚠️ Safety, Storage, and Handling

Sodium Metabisulphate can be irritating to eyes, skin, and respiratory systems, especially due to SO₂ gas release. Follow these guidelines:

• PPE: Use gloves, goggles, and dust masks
  
• Ventilation: Use in a well-ventilated area
  
• Storage: Keep in a tightly sealed container away from moisture and acids
  
• First Aid: Inhalation exposure should be treated by moving the person to fresh air; contact with eyes or skin requires immediate rinsing with water
  

It is also advised to label it clearly if stored near food or beverages to prevent accidental ingestion.

✅ Why Sodium Metabisulphate is a Preferred Choice

SMBS is a preferred chemical due to its:

• Wide-spectrum antimicrobial properties
  
• Dual role as a preservative and antioxidant
  
• Cost-effectiveness and ease of handling
  
• Compatibility with both food-grade and industrial systems
  

Its multifunctional nature reduces the need for multiple additives or sanitizing agents in food plants, labs, and manufacturing units.

🏷️ High-Quality Supply by Amaris Chemical Solutions

At Amaris Chemical Solutions, we provide Sodium Metabisulphate in both food-grade and technical-grade formats, with bulk packaging options to support your commercial scale. Whether you need it for fermentation hygiene, water treatment, or chemical processing, our supply chain ensures consistent purity, compliance, and support.