Potassium Metabisulfite

Synonyms: Disulfurous acid; dipotassium pyrosulfite; dipotassium salt; E224; kali disulfis; potassium pyrosulfite.

Description: Potassium metabisulfite occurs as white or colorless free-flowing crystals, crystalline powder, or granules, usually with an odor of sulfur dioxide.

Chemical Name: Dipotassium pyrosulfite

Antimicrobial preservative; antioxidant.

• Potassium metabisulfite is used in applications similar to those of sodium metabisulfite in pharmaceuticals, and in the food, brewing, and wine making industries.

• It is used as an antioxidant, antimicrobial preservative and sterilizing agent.

Potassium metabisulfite is incompatible with strong acids, water, and most common metals. It reacts with nitrites and sodium nitrate at room temperature, which occasionally results in the formation of flame. The reaction may be explosive if water is present. Potassium metabisulfite liberates SO2 with acids.

Potassium metabisulfite is used in a variety of foods and pharmaceutical preparations, including oral, otic, rectal, and parenteral preparations. Potassium metabisulfite is considered a very irritating material, and may cause dermatitis on exposed skin.

Observe normal precautions appropriate to the circumstances and quantity of material handled. Protective gloves and safety goggles are recommended, and precautions should be taken to minimize exposure to the mucous membranes and respiratory tract. When heated to decomposition, it emits toxic fumes of SO2

Potassium bisulfite; sodium metabisulfite.