Sodium thiosulfate
Sodium Thiosulfate (also known as sodium hyposulfite or "hypo") is an inorganic compound represented by the formula Na2S2O3. It is a colorless, crystalline solid that is more commonly encountered as a pentahydrate, Na2S2O3•5H2O. Sodium thiosulfate has a wide range of uses in various industries, including photography, medicine, and water treatment.
Chemical Properties[edit | edit source]
Sodium thiosulfate is an ionic compound made up of two sodium ions (Na+) and one thiosulfate ion (S2O3-). The thiosulfate ion is a polyatomic ion in which two sulfur atoms are bonded to three oxygen atoms. One of the sulfur atoms has an oxidation state of +6 and the other has an oxidation state of +2. The overall charge of the ion is -2.
Production[edit | edit source]
Sodium thiosulfate is produced industrially by the reaction of sodium sulfite with sulfur. Alternatively, it can be produced by boiling sodium sulfide with sulfur.
Uses[edit | edit source]
Photography[edit | edit source]
In photography, sodium thiosulfate is used as a fixing agent to dissolve unaltered silver salts from exposed photographic film or photographic paper.
Medicine[edit | edit source]
In medicine, sodium thiosulfate is used as an antidote to cyanide poisoning. It works by converting the poisonous cyanide into thiocyanate, a compound that is less toxic and can be excreted in urine.
Water Treatment[edit | edit source]
In water treatment, sodium thiosulfate is used to dechlorinate tap water including lowering chlorine levels for use in aquariums.
Safety[edit | edit source]
Sodium thiosulfate is generally considered safe for handling. However, exposure to large amounts can cause irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract.
See Also[edit | edit source]
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD