Potassium bisulfite
Appearance
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Names | |
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IUPAC name
Potassium hydrogen sulfite
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Other names
Potassium bisulfite, potassium bisulphite solution, sulfurous acid, monopotassium salt, monopotassium sulfite
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Identifiers | |
3D model (JSmol)
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ChemSpider | |
ECHA InfoCard | 100.028.973 |
E number | E228 (preservatives) |
PubChem CID
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CompTox Dashboard (EPA)
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Properties | |
KHSO3 | |
Molar mass | 120.1561 g/mol |
Appearance | White crystalline powder |
Odor | SO2 |
Melting point | 190 °C (decomp.) |
soluble | |
Solubility | insoluble in alcohol |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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Potassium hydrogen sulfite or potassium bisulfite is a chemical compound with the chemical formula KHSO3. It is used during the production of alcoholic beverages as a sterilising agent. This additive is classified as E number E228 under the current EU approved food additive.[1]
It is made by the reaction of sulfur dioxide and potassium carbonate. The sulfur dioxide is passed through a solution of the potassium carbonate until no more carbon dioxide is given off. The solution is concentrated and then allowed to crystallize.