Sodium thiosulfate, is a commonly used chemical raw material used as a fixing agent in the photography, film and printing and plate making industries. Used as reducing agent in tanning. In the paper and textile industries, it is used to remove residual bleach and is used as a mordant. Used medically as an antidote for cyanide poisoning. In water treatment, it is used as a bactericide for drinking water and wastewater; a copper corrosion inhibitor for circulating cooling water; and a deoxidizer for boiler water systems. It is also used in the treatment of cyanide-containing wastewater.
                                   ANALYSIS  RESULT
ITEM STANDARD TEST RESULT
Purity% ≥98.5.0 99.33
PH 6.5-9.5 9.1
Water Insoluble% ≤0.01 0.009
Na2S % ≤0.001 0.0003
Pb % ≤0.0005 0.0004
Fe % ≤ 0.001 0.0005

Sodium Thiosulfate Storage & handing:

1>Store the product in a cool and dry place;

2>Prevent from direct sunlight, water and moisture;

3>Avoid contact with strong add oxidants;  

4>Do not stores it for long time.

Uses and Applications

Sodium thiosulfate serves multiple roles across industries due to its reducing and complexing agent properties:

  • Medical Applications: Acts as an antidote for cyanide poisoning by converting cyanide to less toxic thiocyanate, often administered intravenously in combination with sodium nitrite.
  • Photography: Used as a fixing agent to remove unexposed silver halides from photographic film and paper.
  • Water Treatment: Neutralizes chlorine in swimming pools and wastewater, preventing damage to aquatic life and equipment.
  • Textile and Dyeing: Converts dyes to soluble leuco forms for even application on fabrics like wool and cotton.
  • Analytical Chemistry: Employed in iodometric titrations to determine iodine concentrations.
  • Other Industrial Uses: Applied in gold extraction (as a lixiviant), paper manufacturing (for bleaching), and as a corrosion inhibitor in oil and gas pipelines.

Its eco-friendly profile makes it a preferred alternative to more hazardous chemicals in many processes.

Safety and Handling

While sodium thiosulfate is generally considered low-toxicity, proper precautions are essential:

  • Hazards: May cause mild irritation to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract upon direct contact or inhalation of dust. Ingestion can lead to gastrointestinal upset. It is non-flammable but decomposes to release toxic sulfur dioxide in fire conditions.
  • First Aid:
    • Skin Contact: Wash with plenty of water for 15 minutes.
    • Eye Contact: Flush eyes with water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical attention.
    • Inhalation: Move to fresh air; provide oxygen if breathing is difficult.
    • Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting; rinse mouth and seek immediate medical help.
  • Storage: Keep in a cool, dry place in tightly sealed containers, away from acids and strong oxidizers.
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear gloves, safety goggles, and lab coats during handling. Use in well-ventilated areas.
  • Environmental Impact: Biodegradable and non-persistent in the environment, but avoid release into waterways in large quantities.

Always consult material safety data sheets (MSDS) for specific scenarios.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is sodium thiosulfate used for in medicine?

Sodium thiosulfate is primarily used as an antidote for acute cyanide poisoning. It works by binding cyanide ions to form thiocyanate, which is then excreted by the kidneys.

Is sodium thiosulfate safe for skin contact?

It can cause mild irritation with prolonged exposure. Rinse affected areas immediately with water and discontinue use if redness or itching occurs.

How does sodium thiosulfate neutralize chlorine in water?

It reacts with chlorine to produce sodium chloride and sulfate, effectively dechlorinating water without altering pH significantly.

Can sodium thiosulfate be used in photography?

Yes, it is a standard fixing agent in black-and-white photography, dissolving unexposed silver halides to stabilize the image.

What are the storage requirements for sodium thiosulfate?

Store in a dry, cool environment (below 25°C) in airtight containers to prevent moisture absorption and decomposition.

Is sodium thiosulfate environmentally friendly?

It is biodegradable and has low toxicity to aquatic life, making it a sustainable choice for water treatment and industrial processes.

What happens if sodium thiosulfate is ingested?

Ingestion may cause nausea or vomiting. Seek medical advice promptly, but it is not typically life-threatening in small amounts.

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