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Potassium metabisulfite, also known as E224, is a widely used additive with a variety of applications in households, industry, and food production. This sulfur-containing substance is found in numerous products, from cleaning agents to wine additives. In this blog post, you will learn more about the properties, uses, and acquisition of potassium metabisulfite.

What is Potassium Metabisulfite?

Potassium metabisulfite, chemically also called potassium disulfite, is a white, crystalline powder composed of potassium and sulfur. It is commonly used as a preservative, antioxidant, and bleaching agent. Due to its versatile properties, potassium metabisulfite is important in many industries.

Chemical Properties

Potassium metabisulfite is a sulfur compound that releases sulfur dioxide (SO₂) upon contact with water or acids. This sulfur dioxide acts as an antioxidant and preservative by killing or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, yeasts, and molds.

In addition, potassium metabisulfite has bleaching properties because it catalyzes oxidation processes and can thus remove discolorations. This property makes it a useful additive in cleaning products and in winemaking.

Approval and Regulation

Potassium metabisulfite is approved in the European Union as a food additive with the number E224. However, its use is subject to restrictions because sulfur dioxide can cause allergic reactions in some people. Therefore, the sulfur dioxide content in food may only be up to a certain limit.

The use of potassium metabisulfite in other product areas such as cosmetics or cleaning agents is also subject to legal regulations to ensure consumer safety.

Applications of Potassium Metabisulfite

Due to its diverse properties, potassium metabisulfite is used in numerous industries. Here are some of the most important areas of application:

Food industry

• Wine production: Potassium metabisulfite is used as an antioxidant and preservative in wine production to prevent oxidation and microbial growth.
• Fruit processing: The addition of potassium metabisulfite prevents darkening of fruits and vegetables.
• Beverage production: Besides wine, potassium metabisulfite is also used in other beverages like fruit juices.
• Baked goods: In baked goods, potassium metabisulfite serves as a bleaching agent and preservative.

Household and industry

• Cleaning agents: Potassium metabisulfite is used in cleaning products such as lime removers, descalers, or bleaches.
• Water treatment: In water treatment, potassium metabisulfite helps remove chlorine and other oxidizing agents.
• Photochemistry: In photography, potassium metabisulfite is used as a fixer bath additive.
• Textile finishing: Potassium metabisulfite can be used in bleaching and dyeing textiles.

Medicine and pharmacy

• Disinfectants: Potassium metabisulfite is used in some disinfectants.
• Pharmaceutical manufacturing: In pharmacy, potassium metabisulfite serves as an antioxidant and preservative.

Where can you buy potassium metabisulfite?

Potassium metabisulfite is a widely used additive that is available in many specialty stores and online shops. Especially chemical specialty dealers like ChemMarkt.de carry potassium metabisulfite in their range.

At ChemMarkt.de you can order potassium metabisulfite in various packaging sizes and purity grades. The company places great emphasis on quality and safety, so you can rely on compliance with all legal requirements.

In addition to potassium metabisulfite, ChemMarkt.de also offers other chemical products for household, industry, and food production. The range includes cleaning agents, detergents, specialty chemicals, and other useful chemicals.

It is best to get information directly on the ChemMarkt.de website about the current offer and purchasing options for potassium metabisulfite. There you will also find detailed product information and safety data sheets.

Conclusion

Potassium metabisulfite is a versatile sulfur-containing additive with numerous applications. Whether in food production, household, or industry – potassium metabisulfite is a useful helper that is used in many areas thanks to its preserving, bleaching, and antioxidant properties.

If you need potassium metabisulfite for your purposes, we recommend the specialist retailer ChemMarkt.de. There you can get the product in the desired quality and quantity, always in compliance with all applicable regulations. So don't hesitate to order potassium metabisulfite from ChemMarkt.de!