POTASSIUM HYDROGEN SULFITE

Chemical Properties

White, crystalline powder; sulfur diox- ide odor. Soluble in water; insoluble in alcohol.

Uses

Reduction of various organic compounds; purification of aldehydes and ketones, iodine, sodium hydrosulfite; antiseptic; source of sulfurous acid, particularly in brewing; analytical chemistry; tanning; bleaching straw and textile fibers; chem- ical preservative in foods (except meats and other sources of vitamin B 1 ).

Uses

Potassium Hydrogen sulfite is a preservative that retards bacterial action, prevents discoloration, and functions as an antioxidant. It is not used in meats or in food recognized as a source of vitamin b1 and it is not used on fruits or vegetables intended to be served raw or presented as fresh.

General Description

Colorless aqueous with a slight sulfur dioxide odor. Used as a reducing agent and chemical preservative.

Air & Water Reactions

Soluble in water.

Reactivity Profile

POTASSIUM HYDROGEN SULFITE is a reducing agent. Rreacts as a base to neutralize acids.

Health Hazard

TOXIC; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact with material may cause severe injury or death. Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes. Avoid any skin contact. Effects of contact or inhalation may be delayed. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause pollution.

Fire Hazard

Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes. Some are oxidizers and may ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.). Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. Containers may explode when heated.