Chemical Properties
Potassium sulfite, K2SO3·2H2O; potassium hydrogen sulfite, KHSO3; white solids, similar in properties and formation to the corresponding sodium sulfites.
Chemical Properties
White crystals or powder. Soluble in
water; sparingly soluble in alcohol; decomposes on
heating and slowly oxidizes in air.
Uses
Potassium Sulfite is used as a fabric treatment chemical.
Uses
Photographic developer, medicine (cathartic),
food and wine preservative.
Definition
potassium sulphite: A white crystallinesolid, K
2SO
3, 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.
Safety Profile
When heated to
decomposition it emits toxic fumes of SOx
and K2O. See also SULFUROUS ACID and
SULFITES.
