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E223 Sodium metabisulphite appears as a white crystalline or powder solid with a slight sulfur odor.
E223 Sodium metabisulphite is toxic upon inhalation and can strongly irritate skin and tissue.
E223 Sodium metabisulphite can be decomposed to release toxic oxide fumes of sulfur and sodium upon high temperature.
CAS: 7681-57-4
MF: H2O5S2.2Na
MW: 192.12
EINECS: 231-673-0
Synonyms
Sodium metabisulfite, SO2 58.5% min;disodiummetabisulfite;disodiumpyrosulphite;fertisilo;metabisulfitedesodium;Sodiummetabisufite;SodiumMetabisulphiteAcs;SodiumMetabisulphiteExtraPure
E223 Sodium metabisulphite can be mixed with water to form a corrosive acid.
E223 Sodium metabisulphite is generally used as disinfectant, antioxidant, and preservative agent as well as a laboratory reagent.
As a kind of food additive, E223 Sodium metabisulphite can be used as a preservative and antioxidant in food.
E223 Sodium metabisulphite can also be applied to the wine and beer making.
Moreover, E223 Sodium metabisulphite can be used to sanitize the equipment of homebrew and winemaking as a cleaning agent.
E223 Sodium metabisulphite also have various kinds of other applications, e.g. being applied to photography, as an excipients in some tablets, for water treatment, as a source of SO2 in wine, as a bactericide and as a bleaching reagent as well as reducing agent.
E223 Sodium metabisulphite can be manufactured through the evaporation of a sodium bisulfite which has been saturated with sulfur dioxide.
E223 Sodium metabisulphite should be warned that sodium metabisulfite has certain acute effects on the respiratory system, eyes and skin.
In severe case, E223 Sodium metabisulphite can cause breathing difficulty and even pulmonary damage which finally leads to death.
Therefore, effective protective measures and attention should be taken during the operation.
An inorganic sodium salt composed of sodium and disulfite ions in a 2:1 ratio.
E223 Sodium metabisulphite is an inorganic salt.
E223 Sodium metabisulphite is the sodium salt of disulphurous (pyrosulfurous) acid.
E223 Sodium metabisulphite is widely used in textile dyeing, photography and paper industry.
E223 Sodium metabisulphite is also commonly added to various food products and wines as a preservative.
E223 Sodium metabisulphite, or sodium metabisulphite, is a chemical compound with the formula Na2S2O5.
E223 Sodium metabisulphite appears as a white or yellowish crystalline powder and has a distinct sulfur odor.
When dissolved in water, E223 Sodium metabisulphite releases sulfur dioxide (SO2), which is the active agent responsible for its preservative and antioxidant properties.
E223 Sodium metabisulphite is a food additive in the category of chemical preservatives.
Under acidic conditions, E223 Sodium metabisulphite forms sulfurous acid, which has preservative, oxidizing, and bleaching properties, but also reduces the amount of vitamins in food.
E223 Sodium metabisulphite is a food-grade preservative and antioxidant widely used in the food and beverage industry.
Known for its effective antimicrobial and antioxidizing properties, E223 Sodium metabisulphite helps preserve the freshness and quality of food products, preventing spoilage and extending shelf life.
Chemical structure
The anion metabisulfite consists of an SO2 group linked to an SO3 group, with the negative charge more localised on the SO3 end.
The S–S bond length is 2.22 Å, and the "thionate" and "thionite" S–O distances are 1.46 and 1.50 Å, respectively.
E223 Sodium metabisulphite Chemical Properties
Melting point: >300 °C (lit.)
density: 1.48
bulk density: 1000-1200kg/m3
refractive index: 1.474
storage temp.: Store at +5°C to +30°C.
solubility: 540 g/L (20°C)
form: Powder/Solid
Specific Gravity: 1.48
color: White to slightly yellow
PH: 3.5-5 (50g/l, H2O, 20℃)
Odor: Sulphorous
PH Range: 4.5 at 50 g/l at 20 °C
Water Solubility: 540 g/L (20 ºC)
Sensitive: Air & Moisture Sensitive
Merck: 14,8638
Exposure limits ACGIH: TWA 5 mg/m3
NIOSH: TWA 5 mg/m3
Stability: Stable. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents, strong acids. Contact with strong acids releases a poisonous gas. May be moisture and air sensitive.
Cosmetics Ingredients Functions: PRESERVATIVE REDUCING ANTIOXIDANT
InChI: 1S/2Na.H2O5S2/c;;1-6(2)7(3,4)5/h;;(H,1,2)(H,3,4,5)/q2*+1;/p-2
InChIKey: HRZFUMHJMZEROT-UHFFFAOYSA-L
CAS DataBase Reference: 7681-57-4(CAS DataBase Reference)
EPA Substance Registry System: E223 Sodium metabisulphite (7681-57-4)
E223 Sodium metabisulphite is a white crystalline powder.
Sulfur dioxide odor.
E223 Sodium metabisulphite may be considered the anhydride of 2 molecules of sodium disulfite.
E223 Sodium metabisulphite occurs as colorless, prismatic crystals or as a white to creamy-white crystalline powder that has the odor of sulfur dioxide and an acidic, saline taste.
E223 Sodium metabisulphite crystallizes from cold water as a hydrate containing seven water molecules.
Uses
E223 Sodium metabisulphite is a white, granular solid sodium salt.
An inorganic compound made up of sodium, sulfur, and oxygen, and used in many industries:
in the pulp and paper industry, in the photographic industry and in the various other industries as a bleach or dechlorinator.
Food Grade E223 Sodium metabisulphite may be used as a food preservative.
E223 Sodium metabisulphite is also commonly added to various food products and wines as a preservative.
E223 Sodium metabisulphite can also be used in the manufacture of other chemicals, Used in production of cleaning agents, detergents, and soaps.
E223 Sodium metabisulphite also acts as a corrosion inhibitor in oil and gas industry, as a bleaching agent in the production of coconut cream, as the source of sulfur dioxide and in the destruction of cyanide in commercial gold cyanidation processes.
Gold mining industry: E223 Sodium metabisulphite is utilized in the precipitation of gold from auric acid as well as in the waste water treatment to remove hexavaent chromium as trivalent chromium by precipitation after reduction.
Preservative in photo developer solutions, E223 Sodium metabisulphite is used in photography.
Oxygen scavenge: E223 Sodium metabisulphite plays as an oxygen scavenger to eliminate the dissolved oxygen in wastewater and in pipes.
E223 Sodium metabisulphite may be used as an initiator during the cross-linking polymerization of polybutadiene in the cores of the vesicle membranes.
E223 Sodium metabisulphite may be added as an antioxidant during the preparation of stock solutions of 6-hydroxydopamine in various studies.
Dechlorination in municipal wastewater, pulp & paper, power, and textile water treatment plants.
E223 Sodium metabisulphite is a preservative and antioxidant that exists as crystals or powder having a sulfur dioxide odor.
E223 Sodium metabisulphite is readily solu- ble in water.
E223 Sodium metabisulphite is used in dried fruits to preserve flavor, color, and to inhibit undesirable microorganism growth.
E223 Sodium metabisulphite prevents “black spots” due to oxidative deterioration in shrimp.
E223 Sodium metabisulphite is used in maraschino cherries.
E223 Sodium metabisulphite is found in lemon drinks as a preservative.
E223 Sodium metabisulphite is an anti-oxidant and reducing agent.
E223 Sodium metabisulphite is suitable for a wide range of applications in the food and beverage industry.
Preservative for dried fruits: Prevents microbial growth and discoloration.
Antioxidant in beverages: Maintains the quality and prolongs shelf life.
Bakery products: Enhances dough conditioning and prevents spoilage.
Wine and fruit juice production: Prevents oxidation and preserves flavour.
Canned foods: Inhibits microbial growth and maintains product freshness.
Food preservation: Used in various processed foods for its antioxidizing properties.
Sodium and potassium metabisulfite have many major and niche uses.
E223 Sodium metabisulphite is widely used for preserving food and beverages.
E223 Sodium metabisulphite is one of the main ingredients in "Drywhite", a composition used to prevent chipped potatoes oxidising during storage prior to use in many fish and chip shops.
E223 Sodium metabisulphite is added as an excipient to medications which contain adrenaline (epinephrine), in order to prevent the oxidation of adrenaline.
For example, E223 Sodium metabisulphite is added to combination drug formulations which contain a local anaesthetic and adrenaline, and to the formulation in epinephrine autoinjectors, such as the EpiPen.
This lengthens the shelf life of the formulation, although the sodium metabisulfite reacts with adrenaline, causing E223 Sodium metabisulphite to degrade and form epinephrine sulfonate.
In combination with sodium hydrosulfite E223 Sodium metabisulphite is used as a rust-stain remover.
E223 Sodium metabisulphite is used in photography as an antioxidant in photographic film development.
Concentrated E223 Sodium metabisulphite can be used to remove tree stumps.
Some brands contain 98% E223 Sodium metabisulphite, and cause degradation of lignin in the stumps, facilitating removal.
E223 Sodium metabisulphite is also used as an excipient in some tablets, such as paracetamol.
E223 Sodium metabisulphite can be added to a blood smear in a test for sickle cell anaemia (and other similar forms of haemoglobin mutation).
The substance causes defunct cells to sickle (through a complex polymerisation) hence confirming disease.
E223 Sodium metabisulphite is used as a bleaching agent in the production of coconut cream.
E223 Sodium metabisulphite (or liquid SO2) is commonly used as an antimicrobial and antioxidant in winemaking; bottled wine indicates its use with the label "Contains Sulfites" in the US.
E223 Sodium metabisulphite is used as a reducing agent to break sulfide bonds in shrunken items of clothing made of natural fibres, thus allowing the garment to go back to its original shape after washing.
E223 Sodium metabisulphite is used as an SO2 source (mixed with air or oxygen) for the destruction of cyanide in commercial gold cyanidation processes.
E223 Sodium metabisulphite is used as an SO2 source (mixed with air or oxygen) for the precipitation of elemental gold in chloroauric (aqua regia) solutions.
E223 Sodium metabisulphite is used in the water treatment industry to quench residual chlorine.
E223 Sodium metabisulphite is used in tint etching iron-based metal samples for microstructural analysis.
E223 Sodium metabisulphite is used as a fungicide for anti-microbe and mould prevention during shipping of consumer goods such as shoes and clothing.
Plastic stickers and packaging containing the anhydrous, E223 Sodium metabisulphite solid active ingredient are added prior to shipping.
The devices absorb moisture from the atmosphere during shipping and release low levels of sulfur dioxide.
E223 Sodium metabisulphite is used for preserving fruit during shipping.
E223 Sodium metabisulphite is used as an additive in the extraction of starch from tubers, fruit, and cereal crops.
E223 Sodium metabisulphite is used as a pickling agent to treat high pressure reverse osmosis and nanofiltration water desalination membranes for extended storage periods between uses.
E223 Sodium metabisulphite is used to create a bisulfite adduct from ketones to aid in separation of the ketone product.
The usage of metabisulfite versus the sulfite is also more entropically favourable.
Pharmaceutical Applications
E223 Sodium metabisulphite is used as an antioxidant in oral, parenteral, and topical pharmaceutical formulations, at concentrations of 0.01–1.0% w/v, and at a concentration of approximately 27% w/v in intramuscular injection preparations.
Primarily, E223 Sodium metabisulphite is used in acidic preparations; for alkaline preparations, sodium sulfite is usually preferred.
E223 Sodium metabisulphite also has some antimicrobial activity, which is greatest at acid pH, and may be used as a preservative in oral preparations such as syrups.
In the food industry and in wine production, E223 Sodium metabisulphite is similarly used as an antioxidant, antimicrobial preservative, and antibrowning agent.
However, at concentrations above about 550 ppm E223 Sodium metabisulphite imparts a noticeable flavor to preparations.
E223 Sodium metabisulphite usually contains small amounts of sodium sulfite and sodium sulfate.
Preparation
Manufactures E223 Sodium metabisulphite by reacting sulfur dioxide with sodium carbonate (soda ash), purifying and drying to form crystals or powder.
Na2CO3 + 2SO2→Na2S2O5 + CO2
Health Hazard
E223 Sodium metabisulphite is currently listed in Annex III Part B of Directive 95/2/EC as an authorised food additive.
As such food labelling is required where sulphite residues exceed 10 mg/kg (ppm).
This is labelledE223 Sodium metabisulphite with maximum permitted residues in crustacean products set at 150 mg/kg.
However E223 Sodium metabisulphite is now accepted that sulphites, when present in foodstuffs, can cause allergic reactions in vulnerable persons and can constitute a danger to health (Collins-Williams, 1983).
E223 Sodium metabisulphite is regarded as one causative agent of asthma attacks (Gunnison & Jacobsen, 1987).
In accordance with this, EU Directive 2003/89/EC will make allergen labelling a requirement for all food stuffs produced in the European Community, which have been treated with sodium metabisulphite.
E223 Sodium metabisulphite typically found in consumer products should pose little a risk of symptoms due to skin or inhalation exposure since sodium metabisulfite is used in very low concentrations.
E223 Sodium metabisulphite can produce the following adverse health affects:
Contact - Skin exposures can cause symptoms ranging from minor skin irritation or itching to redness and swelling.
Eye exposure to E223 Sodium metabisulphite may result in redness, tearing or moderate eye irritation.
Inhalation - The inhalation of sodium metabisulfite dusts can cause nose and throat irritation or coughing.
Repeated or prolonged exposures may cause sore throat or nosebleeds.
Inhalation may also cause severe respiratory reactions and aggravate asthma or other breathing diseases.
Ingestion - The ingestion of E223 Sodium metabisulphite may cause irritation of the mouth and throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Other Effects - The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has not classified E223 Sodium metabisulphite as a carcinogen (cancer causing).
Production Methods
E223 Sodium metabisulphite is prepared by saturating a solution of sodium hydroxide with sulfur dioxide and allowing crystallization to occur; hydrogen is passed through the solution to exclude air.
E223 Sodium metabisulphite may also be prepared by saturating a solution of sodium carbonate with sulfur dioxide and allowing crystallization to occur, or by thermally dehydrating sodium bisulfite.
Preparation
E223 Sodium metabisulphite can be prepared by treating a solution of sodium hydroxide with sulfur dioxide.
When conducted in warm water, Na2SO3 initially precipitates as a yellow solid.
With more SO2, the solid dissolves to give the disulfite, which crystallises upon cooling.
SO2 + 2 NaOH → Na2SO3 + H2O
SO2 + Na2SO3 → Na2S2O5
which yields a residue of colourless solid Na2S2O5.
