Sodium Thiosulfate Pentahydrate

Product Description

Sodium Thiosulfate Pentahydrate 

 Sodium Thiosulfate Pentahydrate is a hydrated form of sodium thiosulfate, which contains five water molecules per formula unit. It is a white, crystalline, water-soluble compound with many industrial and chemical applications. Sodium Thiosulfate Pentahydrate has a wide range of uses, especially in areas like water treatment, photography, and medicine.

Key Properties

• Chemical Formula: Na2S2O3‹…5H2O
• Molecular Weight: 248.18 g/mol
• Appearance: White crystalline solid or powder
• Solubility: Highly soluble in water
• Melting Point: Decomposes upon heating
• Density: 1.7 g/cm³
• pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline when dissolved in water

Applications of Sodium Thiosulfate Pentahydrate

1. Water Treatment

• Dechlorination Agent:
  Sodium Thiosulfate Pentahydrate is commonly used in water treatment processes to neutralize chlorine and chloramine in water systems, particularly in swimming pools, aquariums, and municipal water supplies. It helps in making water safer for aquatic life and humans.

2. Photography

• Fixing Agent:
  It is used in the photographic industry as a fixing agent. Sodium Thiosulfate Pentahydrate helps remove unexposed silver halides from photographic film and paper, preserving the image and preventing it from further exposure to light.

3. Medical Use

• Treatment for Cyanide Poisoning:
  Sodium Thiosulfate Pentahydrate is used as an antidote for cyanide poisoning. It converts cyanide into less toxic thiocyanate, which is then excreted by the body in urine. This makes it a critical component in treating cyanide toxicity in medical emergencies.

4. Chemical Analysis

• Redox Reactions:
  Sodium Thiosulfate Pentahydrate is employed in various chemical assays, particularly in iodometric titrations. It is a common reducing agent in analytical chemistry, especially in the determination of iodine and other oxidizing agents.

5. Gold and Silver Mining

• Gold Leaching:
  In the mining industry, Sodium Thiosulfate Pentahydrate is used as a less toxic alternative to cyanide in the leaching process for extracting gold from ores. It is especially favored in gold extraction from ores that contain high concentrations of cyanide-sensitive minerals.

6. Textile Industry

• Bleaching Agent:
  It is used in the textile industry for bleaching purposes, helping to remove colors from fabrics and materials and improving the appearance of textiles before dyeing or further processing.

Benefits of Sodium Thiosulfate Pentahydrate

• Non-Toxic: Safer to handle and use than alternatives like cyanide.
• Effective and Reliable: Proven effectiveness in dechlorination, cyanide detoxification, and as a photographic fixer.
• Environmentally Friendly: A preferred option in gold mining and water treatment due to its minimal environmental impact.
• Versatile: Used in a wide variety of industries, from medicine to manufacturing and mining.

Storage and Handling

• Storage:
  Store in a cool, dry place in well-sealed containers to avoid moisture absorption. Sodium Thiosulfate Pentahydrate can absorb water, so it is essential to keep it in airtight containers to preserve its stability.

• Handling Precautions:

  • Wear gloves, eye protection, and suitable clothing when handling the chemical to prevent irritation.
  • Avoid inhaling dust or fumes, and use in well-ventilated areas.

Safety Information

• Hazards:
  While Sodium Thiosulfate Pentahydrate is generally safe, it can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system upon contact or inhalation.

• First Aid:

  • Skin Contact: Wash affected areas with plenty of water and soap.
  • Eye Contact: Rinse eyes thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes.
  • Ingestion: Drink water and seek immediate medical attention.
  • Inhalation: Move to fresh air and seek medical help if symptoms persist.

Conclusion

Sodium Thiosulfate Pentahydrate is an important compound with significant applications in various industries. Its role in water treatment, photography, gold extraction, and medical uses makes it a versatile and valuable chemical. The compound is safe when handled correctly, providing effective solutions in numerous fields while being an environmentally friendly alternative in many processes. Whether used in large-scale industrial applications or small-scale analytical procedures, Sodium Thiosulfate Pentahydrate continues to be a key player in modern chemistry and technology