Potassium sulfite, K2SO3·2H2O; potassium hydrogen sulfite, KHSO3; white solids, similar in properties and formation to the corresponding sodium sulfites.
White crystals or powder. Soluble in
water; sparingly soluble in alcohol; decomposes on
heating and slowly oxidizes in air.
Potassium Sulfite is used as a fabric treatment chemical.
Photographic developer, medicine (cathartic),
food and wine preservative.
potassium sulphite: A white crystallinesolid, K2SO3, soluble in waterand very sparingly soluble inethanol; r.d. 1.51; decomposes onheating. It is a reducing agent and isused as such in photography and inthe food and brewing industries,where it prevents oxidation.
When heated to
decomposition it emits toxic fumes of SOx
and K2O. See also SULFUROUS ACID and
SULFITES.
