Potassium sulfite
| Names | |
|---|---|
| IUPAC name
Potassium sulfite
| |
| Other names
E225
Dipotassium sulfite Potassium sulphite Sulfurous acid, dipotassium salt | |
| Properties | |
| K2SO3 | |
| Molar mass | 158.26 g/mol |
| Appearance | White or slight yellowish solid |
| Density | 2.35 g/cm3 (20 °C)[1] |
| Melting point | 590 °C (1,094 °F; 863 K) (decomposes) |
| Boiling point | Decomposes |
| Soluble with hydrolysis | |
| Solubility | Insoluble in chloroform, toluene |
| Acidity (pKa) | 8 |
| Hazards | |
| Safety data sheet | Pfaltz & Bauer |
| Flash point | Non-flammable |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds
|
Sodium sulfite |
| Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). | |
| Infobox references | |
Potassium sulfite is a chemical compound with the formula K2SO3, used as food preservative.
Contents
Properties
Chemical
Potassium sulfite slowly oxidizes in air to potassium sulfate:
- K2SO3 + ½ O2 → K2SO4
Physical
Potassium sulfite is a white or slight yellowish solid, soluble in water but insoluble in organic solvents.
Availability
Potassium sulfite is sold by various suppliers in both solid form and as solution. It can sometimes be found on eBay.
Preparation
Potassium sulfite can be prepared by bubbling a predetermined volume of sulfur dioxide through an aqueous solution of potassium hydroxide. If an excess of sulfur dioxide is used, potassium bisulfite will form instead.
- 2 KOH + SO2 → K2SO3 + H2O
Gentle evaporation is required to eliminate the water from the solution, as strong heating can hydrolyze the sulfite or oxidize it to sulfate. Alternatively, one can cool the resulting solution and obtain sulfite crystals.
Projects
- Reducing agent
- Make (dry) sulfur dioxide generator
- Make potassium sulfate
- Make potassium bisulfite
Handling
Safety
Potassium sulfite releases sulfur dioxide in contact with a strong acid, which is irritant and toxic.
Storage
As it slowly oxidizes in open air, potassium sulfite should be stored in air tight containers or in a sulfur dioxide atmosphere, at temperatures between 0-30 °C.
Disposal
Potassium bisulfite can be safely neutralized with bleach, hydrogen peroxide or simply left in open air to potassium sulfate which can be safely poured down the drain. However, it's not always necessary to neutralize it first.
