Potassium sulfite

How the atoms in potassium sulfite are put together

Potassium sulfite is a chemical compound. Its chemical formula is K₂SO₃. It contains potassium and sulfite ions.

Properties

It is a white crystalline solid. It is a reducing agent. It can react with oxidizing agents to make potassium sulfate.

Preparation

It is made by reacting sulfur dioxide with potassium hydroxide.

2 KOH + SO₂ → K₂SO₃ + H₂O

Uses

It is used to preserve food. Sulfites can cause allergies in some people, though.

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