Sodium Thiosulfate

Sodium thiosulfate, also known as sodium sulfate, is a chemical compound with the formula Na2S2O3. It is used to treat a variety of ailments.Preparation of the c

It is most commonly found in its pentahydrate form, which is either white in color or completely colorless in appearance. Chemically, this pentahydrate of sodium thiosulfate can be represented by the following chemical formula: Na2S2O3.5H2O.

Sodium Thiosulphate Preparation

6 NaOH + 4 S2Na2S =Na2S2O3 + 3H2O.

The Chemical Structure of Sodium Thiosulfate

It is a crystalline solid in its solid state, and it has a tendency to readily lose water when heated. sodium thiosulfate is a soluble salt of sodium hyposulfite, which is also known as sodium thiosulfate in some circles. 

Sodium Thiosulfate is a chemical compound that is used to treat a variety of ailments.

In the solid state of sodium thiosulfate, it should be noted that the thiosulfate ion has a tetrahedral shape due to the presence of sulfur. This is comparable to the distance between the two sulfur atoms in the thiosulfate ion and that between two sigma-bonded sulfur atoms in the thiosulfate ion. In other words, the sulfur atoms that are not bonded to any oxygens are negatively charged.

Sodium Thiosulfate’s Physical and Chemical Characteristics

The following table summarizes the physical and chemical properties of Na2S2O3.

1. Physical Characteristics

Sodium thiosulfate has a molar mass of 158.11 grams per mole in its anhydrous form, indicating that it is a salt. The pentahydrate from Na2S2O3.5H2O, which is the more commonly available form, has a molar mass of 248.18 g/mol.

As a solid, it has a white, crystalline appearance and has no discernible odor.

The density of sodium thiosulfate is 1.667 grams per cubic centimeter, which is the same as the density of water.

The melting point of the pentahydrate of this salt is 321.4 degrees Celsius, and the boiling point is 373 degrees Celsius.

The solubility of sodium thiosulfate in water is 70.1 grammes per 100 milliliters at 20 degrees Celsius and 231 grammes per 100 milliliters at 100 degrees Celsius.

Monoclinic crystals of Na2S2O3 have a single crystalline structure.

2. Chemical Characteristics

The sodium thiosulfate salt has a charge that is neutral. While it dissolves in water and some other polar solvents, it dissociates to form sodium and sulfuric acid.

A decomposition reaction occurs when sodium thiosulfate salt is exposed to dilute acids, such as dilute hydrochloric acid, which results in the formation of sulfur and sulfur dioxide as a byproduct.

In the reaction Na2S2O3 + 2HCl, 2NaCl → SO2 + H2O + S.

The alkylation of Na2S2O3 results in the formation of S-alkyl thiosulfates. Bunte salts are a type of compound that is commonly found in nature.

Applications

Some of the most important applications for sodium thiosulfate are listed below.

1.A very important chemical compound in the medical treatment of cyanide poisoning cases is sodium sulfate (Na2S2O3).

2.Dermatophytosis (ringworm) and tinea versicolor are two conditions for which sodium thiosulfate is used medically as a treatment.

3.Na2S2O3is used to alleviate the side effects of chemotherapy and hemodialysis (blood purification), among other things.

4.Due to the fact that it stoichiometrically reacts with the element iodine, it reduces the element to the iodide ion while simultaneously oxidizing it to the S4O2-3(tetrathionate) ion, it is a very important compound in analytical chemistry.

5.Aluminized sodium thiosulfate salts are used as photographic fixers because the thiosulfate ions have the ability to react with the silver halides that form the basis of photographic emulsions.

6.It is ammonium thiosulfate and sodium thiosulfate that combine to form lixiviants (liquid mediums used in hydrometallurgy), which are used in the extraction of gold from its ore and other metals.

7.Water bodies are treated with Na2S2O3 during the dechlorination process in order to reduce the chlorine levels in them.

Medical applications

It is also known as sodium thiosulfate in some circles. It is a medication used to treat cyanide poisoning, pityriasis versicolor, and side effects from cisplatin. It is frequently used in conjunction with the drug sodium nitrite to treat cyanide poisoning, and it is typically only prescribed in severe cases of the condition.

Sodium Thiosulfate is a toxin with a relatively low level of toxicity. Taking large doses of this medication may cause nausea and vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, metabolic acidosis, and hypernatremia, in addition to gastrointestinal discomfort.

Conclusion

The fact that sodium thiosulfate is an extremely important chemical compound in the lives of human beings is clear from this information. When it decomposes due to the application of heat, it emits highly toxic sulfur oxide fumes that are extremely harmful to human health. It is frequently discovered in the toxic wastes of dye manufacturing facilities.