Potassium bisulfite
Appearance
Names | |
---|---|
IUPAC name
Potassium hydrogen sulfite
| |
Other names
Potassium bisulfite, potassium bisulphite solution, sulfurous acid, monopotassium salt, monopotassium sulfite
| |
Identifiers | |
3D model (JSmol)
|
|
ChemSpider | |
ECHA InfoCard | 100.028.973 |
EC Number |
|
E number | E228 (preservatives) |
PubChem CID
|
|
UNII | |
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)
|
|
| |
| |
Properties | |
KHSO3 | |
Molar mass | 120.1561 g/mol |
Appearance | White crystalline powder |
Odor | SO2 |
Melting point | 190 °C (374 °F; 463 K) (decomposes) |
49 g/100 mL (20 °C) 115 g/100 mL (100 °C) | |
Solubility | insoluble in alcohol |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
|
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]
Synthesis
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.