Thiosulfates are a class of compounds that occur naturally and are produced by certain biomechanical processes, but can also be chemically-synthesized in labs.
The most commonly used types of thiosulfate are sodium thiosulfate and ammonium thiosulfate, among others. These chemicals have a wide variety of uses and are included in many commercial and medical products. Let’s take a look at some of these now.
Thiosulfates Uses
1. Medical Treatments For Cyanide Poisoning
Cyanide treatment kits used in medical facilities and for on-site medical care may include a combination of sodium thiosulfate, sodium nitrate, and hydroxocobalamin B12. These treatments must be administered by medical professionals intravenously.
Together, sodium thiosulfate and the other compounds render cyanide into the much less toxic cyanocobalamin, which can be harmlessly excreted in the urine. When administered quickly after exposure to cyanide, this is a very effective method of reversing cyanide toxicity.
Side effects of this treatment may include muscle cramping, joint pain, ringing in the ears, and nausea or vomiting.
2. Processed Foods
Sodium thiosulfate is a common food additive. It’s been found to be generally safe by health authorities like the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) when used in appropriate amounts to preserve foods.
When used in food processing, sodium thiosulfate is a powerful antioxidant, meaning it helps prevent oxidation of food, which can lead to issues with the odor, flavour, and texture of food products. It also acts as a “sequestrant,” meaning that it attracts certain ions that can prevent fat oxidation.
3. “Hypo” For Photography Processing
Sodium thiosulfate, which is related to but distinct from sodium pentahydrate na2s2o3, has been used in the processing of traditional black and white photos for a very long time as a component of “hypo.”
This ingredient is important for halting the process of exposing a photograph and removing any remaining silver halides, “fixing” photographic negatives, and preventing changes from further light exposure.
Ammonium thiosulfate, a related thiosulfate compound, is more commonly used for this purpose in modern photo processing labs since it performs the same basic function as sodium thiosulfate, but 3x to 4x more quickly.
4. Water Dechlorinators
Sodium thiosulfate is widely used as a water dechlorinator in a wide variety of consumer products. It’s used to reduce chlorine levels in aquariums after adding tap water and helps balance chemical levels for fish.
This is also a very commonly-used ingredient in swimming pools and spas, where it’s added follow “superchlorination” or “chlorine shock,” which is used to treat water that has been improperly chlorinated, resulting in the growth of microorganisms. It quickly neutralizes chlorine, bringing it back to safe levels for swimming.
This ingredient is also found in industrial products for water treatment plants and is used in paper manufacturing to halt the bleaching process of paper products when they reach the desired level of brightness.
Contact Bisley To Learn More About Our Supply Of Thiosulfate Products
With our specialised production processes, years of experience in logistics, and dedication to quality control, Bisley is an ideal partner for the supply of high-quality thiosulfates like sodium thiosulfate and ammonium thiosulfate.
No matter what products your company creates with thiosulfates, we’ll ensure that you have all of the chemicals and ingredients you need to maintain consistent production. Contact us now to learn more and to get started with Bisley.