Sodium Thiosulfate

Product Overview

Sodium Thiosulfate (Na2S2O3) is a critical inorganic compound with remarkable chemical versatility, primarily utilized in advanced industrial and research applications. This crystalline salt represents a unique compound characterized by its ability to participate in complex redox and precipitation reactions, making it an essential reagent in multiple scientific and technical domains.

Structurally, sodium thiosulfate contains a central sulfur atom bonded to three oxygen atoms and another sulfur atom, creating a distinctive molecular configuration that enables its diverse reactivity. Its hygroscopic nature and high water solubility contribute to its widespread utility across environmental, analytical, and industrial processing contexts.

Key Properties

• Chemical Formula: Na2S2O3
• Molecular Weight: 158.11 g/mol
• Boiling Point: 100°C
• Melting Point: 48°C
• Specific Gravity: 1.667
• Appearance: White crystalline powder
• Solubility: High water solubility
• Chemical Stability: Stable under normal conditions
• Oxidation State: Sulfur exhibits variable oxidation states

Common Applications

• Water Treatment: Sodium thiosulfate is critically used in dechlorination processes, neutralizing chlorine and chloramine residuals in industrial wastewater systems. Its selective reduction capabilities allow precise removal of oxidizing agents, ensuring water quality and preventing potential chemical interference in downstream processes.
• Analytical Chemistry: Researchers utilize sodium thiosulfate as a standardized reducing agent in volumetric titration techniques, particularly for quantitative iodometric determinations. Its consistent chemical behavior enables precise quantitative analysis of oxidizing substances in complex chemical systems.
• Environmental Remediation: The compound plays a significant role in neutralizing heavy metal contamination, facilitating chemical precipitation and complexation of metallic ions in contaminated soil and water environments. Its selective chelation properties make it valuable in environmental restoration projects.
• Industrial Chemical Synthesis: Sodium thiosulfate serves as a crucial intermediate in synthesizing specialized sulfur-containing compounds, enabling complex organic and inorganic chemical transformations in industrial manufacturing processes.
• Photography and Film Processing: In traditional photographic development, sodium thiosulfate functions as a critical fixing agent, selectively dissolving unexposed silver halide crystals and stabilizing photographic images during processing.

Safety Precautions

When handling sodium thiosulfate, implement rigorous laboratory safety protocols, including wearing appropriate personal protective equipment such as chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and lab coats. Ensure adequate ventilation and minimize direct skin or eye contact during manipulation.

Store the compound in tightly sealed containers within a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight and incompatible chemical agents. Maintain storage temperatures between 15-25°C and protect from moisture to prevent hygroscopic degradation.

In case of accidental exposure, immediately flush affected areas with copious amounts of water for at least 15 minutes. For eye contact, use dedicated eyewash stations. Seek medical consultation if irritation persists or significant exposure occurs.

Benefits

Our laboratory-grade sodium thiosulfate offers exceptional purity, consistent chemical performance, and outstanding versatility across multiple scientific and industrial applications. Its precise molecular composition ensures reliable reactivity and minimal batch-to-batch variation, providing researchers and industrial professionals with a dependable chemical reagent.

The compound's competitive pricing, combined with its wide-ranging utility in analytical, environmental, and industrial processes, makes it an economically attractive solution for laboratories and manufacturing facilities seeking a multipurpose chemical intermediate with robust technical capabilities.