Sodium Thiosulfate vs Sodium Metabisulfite
Comprehensive comparison of Sodium Thiosulfate and Sodium Metabisulfite including physical properties, applications, safety considerations, and pricing. Alliance Chemical supplies both chemicals in various grades and concentrations.
Quick Comparison Summary
Physical & Chemical Properties Comparison
| Property | Sodium Thiosulfate | Sodium Metabisulfite | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling Point | 100°C (decomposes) | N/A (Decomposes) | Sodium Thiosulfate boils 100°C higher |
| Flash Point ⚠️ | N/A | N/A | Data not available for direct comparison |
| Density | 1.667 g/cm³ | 1.48 g/cm³ | Sodium Thiosulfate is denser |
| Water Solubility | 70.1 g/100 mL (20°C) | Very soluble in water (65 g/100 mL at 20°C) | |
| pH | 6.0 - 9.5 (1% solution) | 4 - 5 (10% solution) | Sodium Metabisulfite is more acidic |
| Molecular Weight | 158.11 g/mol | 190.10 g/mol | Sodium Metabisulfite is heavier molecule |
| Melting Point | 48°C (pentahydrate) | N/A | Data not available for direct comparison |
| Vapor Pressure | N/A | N/A | Data not available for direct comparison |
| Auto-ignition Temp ⚠️ | N/A | N/A | Data not available for direct comparison |
| Vapor Density | N/A | N/A | Data not available for direct comparison |
| Appearance | White crystalline solid | White or yellowish crystalline powder | |
| Odor | Odorless | Slight sulfur dioxide odor |
Data sourced from PubChem (NIH), OSHA Technical Guidelines, and Alliance Chemical laboratory analysis. Last verified March 2026.
Applications & Use Cases
Sodium Thiosulfate Best For:
- Dechlorination of water
- Reducing agent
- Photographic processing (fixer)
- Cyanide neutralization
- Gold extraction
Sodium Metabisulfite Best For:
- Antioxidant in food preservation
- Reducing agent in chemical synthesis
- Oxygen scavenger in water treatment
- Preservative in winemaking
- Bleaching agent in textiles
Choosing Between Them
The right choice depends on your specific application, required purity, and handling capabilities. Contact our team for guidance on which chemical best fits your needs.
Safety & Handling Comparison
Storage Requirements
Always store in original containers in a cool, well-ventilated area per NFPA 30 guidelines. Refer to each product's SDS for specific storage temperature ranges and incompatible materials.
PPE Requirements
At minimum: chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and adequate ventilation per OSHA 29 CFR 1910.132-138. Check each SDS below for chemical-specific PPE requirements.
Fire Hazard
Consult SDS for specific fire hazard information.
Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
Which Chemical Should You Choose?
Decision Snapshot
| Decision Factor | Better Fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Evaporation Profile | Sodium Metabisulfite | Lower boiling point supports faster flash-off. |
| Fire Safety Margin | Check SDS | Flash-point data is incomplete for one or both products. |
| Application Breadth | Tie | Compares distinct listed use cases to avoid generic recommendations. |
| Purity Flexibility | Standard grades | Based on availability of 99%+ concentration options in current product metadata. |
Choose Sodium Thiosulfate if:
- You specifically need support for dechlorination of water applications.
- You specifically need support for reducing agent applications.
- You need a higher-boiling solvent that stays in-process longer.
Choose Sodium Metabisulfite if:
- You specifically need support for antioxidant in food preservation applications.
- You specifically need support for reducing agent in chemical synthesis applications.
- You want a faster-evaporating solvent for quick-dry production steps.
Commercial & Fulfillment Snapshot
Built for purchasing teams that need predictable dispatch, compliant documentation, and freight flexibility from parcel to full truckload.
| Procurement Advantage | Sodium Thiosulfate | Sodium Metabisulfite |
|---|---|---|
| Grade & Concentration Coverage | multiple concentration options by application with industrial/lab procurement support. | multiple concentration options by application with industrial/lab procurement support. |
| Packaging Depth | small packs through bulk freight quantities for parcel, pallet, and truckload planning. | 1 Pack (2 lbs.) to 40 Bag (2200 lbs.) for parcel, pallet, and truckload planning. |
| Dispatch SLA | Order by 1 PM CT (Mon-Thu) or noon CT Friday for same-business-day outbound from Taylor, TX. | Order by 1 PM CT (Mon-Thu) or noon CT Friday for same-business-day outbound from Taylor, TX. |
| Freight Optionality | UPS Ground for small packs plus LTL/FTL lanes through ABF, SEFL, Saia, XPO, and partner carriers. | UPS Ground for small packs plus LTL/FTL lanes through ABF, SEFL, Saia, XPO, and partner carriers. |
| Compliance Readiness | SDS ready now; COA/TDS support available pre-PO and post-order. | SDS available on request; COA/TDS support available pre-PO and post-order. |
| Bulk Procurement CTA | Request bulk quote or call (512) 365-6838. | Request bulk quote or call (512) 365-6838. |
Need Help Deciding? Our technical team can help you choose the right chemical for your specific application. Email sales@alliancechemical.com for expert guidance.
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Alliance Chemical supplies both Sodium Thiosulfate and Sodium Metabisulfite in various grades and package sizes.