Potassium dithionite

General Description

A light yellow colored powdered or flaked solid. Used to make dyes and other chemicals.

Air & Water Reactions

A dangerous fire risk when exposed to limited amounts of water or moist air. Soluble in water. Dissolution in large amounts of water removes danger of fire.

Reactivity Profile

Potassium dithionite reacts, often violently, with oxidizing agents to generate heat and gaseous products that may be toxic and flammable. Generates gaseous sulfur dioxide in contact with oxidizing acids and nonoxidizing acids.

Health Hazard

Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Inhalation of decomposition products may cause severe injury or death. Contact with substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes. Runoff from fire control may cause pollution.

Fire Hazard

Flammable/combustible material. May ignite on contact with moist air or moisture. May burn rapidly with flare-burning effect. Some react vigorously or explosively on contact with water. Some may decompose explosively when heated or involved in a fire. May re-ignite after fire is extinguished. Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard. Containers may explode when heated.

Raw materials

Preparation Products