Detailed Photos

Product Description
Sodium Thiosulfate: A Comprehensive Introduction
1. Definition
Sodium thiosulfate, with the chemical formula Na2S2O3, is also known as sodium hyposulfite, hypo, or "soda." It is a common thiosulfate compound. In nature, it can be found in some mineral springs and is an important inorganic chemical substance. It exists in anhydrous form and as a pentahydrate (Na2S2O3·5H2O). The pentahydrate is more commonly encountered in daily applications.
2. Physical and Chemical Properties
2.1 Physical Properties
- Appearance: Anhydrous sodium thiosulfate is a colorless or white crystalline powder. The pentahydrate form appears as colorless transparent monoclinic crystals.
- Solubility: It is highly soluble in water, with a solubility of about 70 g/100 mL at 20 °C. It is insoluble in ethanol.
- Density: The density of anhydrous sodium thiosulfate is approximately 1.667 g/cm³, while that of the pentahydrate is around 1.729 g/cm³.
- Melting Point: The pentahydrate has a melting point of 48.5 °C. When heated, it first loses its crystal water and then further decomposes at higher temperatures.
2.2 Chemical Properties
- Reductivity: Sodium thiosulfate is a moderately strong reducing agent. It can react with strong oxidizing agents such as Cl2. For example, when reacting with Cl2, the chemical equation is: Na2S2O3 + 4Cl2 + 5H2O = 2H2SO4 + 2NaCl + 6HCl. It is also used in the textile and paper industries to remove residual Cl.
- Stability in Different Media: In alkaline or neutral solutions, sodium thiosulfate is relatively stable. However, in acidic solutions, it decomposes rapidly. The reaction in acidic conditions is as follows: Na2S2O3 + 2HCl = 2NaCl + S↓ + SO2↑ + H2O.
- Complexation Ability: The thiosulfate ion (S2O32-) is a relatively strong ligand and can form stable complexes with certain metal ions, such as Ag+, Cu2+, Cd2+, Hg2+, Pb2+, etc. For instance, AgBr, which is insoluble in NH3, is soluble in sodium thiosulfate solution due to the formation of a complex.
3. Production Methods
3.1 Reaction of Sodium Sulfite and Sulfur
- First, sodium sulfite (Na2SO3) is obtained by reacting soda ash (Na2CO3) solution with SO2 gas. The chemical equation is: Na2CO3 + SO2 = Na2SO3 + CO2.
- Then, sulfur powder is added to the sodium sulfite solution and heated for a reaction. The reaction equation is: Na2SO3 + S = Na2S2O3. After the reaction, through processes such as evaporation, cooling crystallization, washing, separation, and screening, sodium thiosulfate products are obtained.
3.2 Using Waste Liquids
Raw material liquids prepared from evaporation residues of sulfide alkali and wastewater from barium-sulfide production (containing sodium carbonate and sodium sulfide) are reacted with SO2. After clarification, sulfur powder is added for heating reaction. The subsequent steps of evaporation, cooling crystallization, etc. are similar to the above method to produce sodium thiosulfate.
4. Storage
- Container: Sodium thiosulfate should be stored in tightly sealed containers, preferably made of glass or high - density polyethylene, to prevent moisture absorption and reaction with air components.
- Environment: It should be stored in a cool, dry, and well - ventilated place, away from direct sunlight. The storage temperature should be kept below 30 °C, and the relative humidity should be less than 75%.
- Separation: It should be separated from acids, strong oxidants, and other substances that can react with it to avoid potential chemical reactions and safety hazards.
5. Market Information
- Supply and Demand: The global demand for sodium thiosulfate comes from various industries such as photography, water treatment, and chemical manufacturing. In recent years, with the development of emerging economies and the growth of industrial production, the demand has shown a steady upward trend. The main production regions are concentrated in Asia, North America, and Europe. Asia is a major producer and consumer due to its large - scale manufacturing industries.
- Price Trends: The price of sodium thiosulfate is affected by factors such as raw material prices (such as sulfur and soda ash), production costs, and market demand. In general, in the past few years, the price has fluctuated within a certain range. When there are shortages of raw materials or significant increases in production costs, the price will rise. Conversely, in a situation of oversupply in the market, the price may decline.
6. Down - stream Industry Chain
- Photography Industry: Sodium thiosulfate is widely used as a fixing agent in the traditional photography industry. It can dissolve unexposed silver halides on photographic films or papers, which is crucial for developing clear images. Although the digital photography industry has developed rapidly, there is still a certain demand for traditional photography in some special fields, such as artistic photography and film production, maintaining the demand for sodium thiosulfate in this area.
- Textile and Dyeing Industry: In the textile industry, it is used as a bleaching agent and dechlorination agent. It can remove excess Cl from bleached fabrics, prevent fabric damage caused by Cl, and also play a role in adjusting the color of dyed fabrics.
- Water Treatment Industry: It is used to remove heavy metal ions and residual Cl in water. In industrial wastewater treatment, it can react with heavy metal ions to form insoluble precipitates or complexes, facilitating the removal of heavy metals. In water supply treatment, it can reduce the amount of residual Cl, improving water quality.
Product Parameters
ITEMS |
UNIT |
QUALITY STANDARD |
RESULTS
|
Sodium Thiosulfate Content (Mass Fraction as Na2S2O3·5H2O) |
% |
≥99.0 |
99.1 |
Ferric Content (Mass Fraction as Fe) |
% |
≤0.003 |
0.001 |
Water Insoluble Substance (Mass Fraction) |
% |
≤0.03 |
0.009 |
Sulfide Content (Mass Fraction as Na2S) |
% |
≤0.003 |
0.001 |
Sodium Chloride Content (Mass Fraction Basis for NaCl ) |
% |
≤0.20 |
0.03 |
PH Value |
_ |
7.0-9.0 |
8.5 |
APPEARANCE |
White transparent crystalline particles |
CONCLUSION |
Qualified |
Packaging & Shipping
25kg/50kg bag---27tons/1FCL without pallet
1000kg bag---25tons/1FCL without pallet


Application
Bleaching and Deodorization: In the paper industry, it is used as a pulp bleaching agent and a deodorant for pulp and paper products. It can effectively remove the color and odor in pulp, improving the quality of paper products.
Gold Mining: In the gold mining industry, the thiosulfate leaching method is becoming more and more popular. Gold can form soluble complexes with thiosulfate ions. This method has the advantages of low toxicity and environmental friendliness compared with traditional cyanide leaching methods.
Food Industry: In some food processing processes, it can be used as a preservative or antioxidant in small amounts, helping to extend the shelf - life of food products and maintain their quality. However, its use in the food industry is strictly regulated to ensure food safety.
Analytical Chemistry: Sodium thiosulfate is an important reagent in volumetric analysis. For example, in iodometric titration, it is used as a standard solution to determine the content of oxidizing substances. The reaction between sodium thiosulfate and iodine is quantitative, which can accurately measure the amount of iodine - containing substances in the sample.
Certifications

Company Profile
Shandong Jiuchong Chemical Company Limited was founded in 2016, which is located in Weifang City, Shandong Province, China. We have 228 square meters of office space. Now Jiuchong chemical is a large modern international chemical enterprise with more than 28 series. Since our establishment, the company has gradually established and improved a sound supply chain system, quality monitoring system and service system, ensuring products quality and service.
At the same time, relying on our own geographical location and resource advantages, our company is committed to the optimization of a variety of chemical supply chain, including magnesium chloride, sodium metabisulfite, sodium bicarbonate, calcium chloride, magnesium sulfate, polyaluminium chloride, aluminium sulfate, industrial salt, soda ash etc.
Our products are sold well in 288 domestic cities and more than 36 foreign countries. Now the company has won the praise and trust of domestic and foreign customers. Based on stable quality and output, good team service and staff efforts, we will continue to develop domestic and foreign markets.
Jiuchong chemical takes "integrity, innovation and development" as the concept, puts integrity in the priority position in serving customers, and guarantees high quality products and satisfactory cooperation for customers experience. Your satisfaction is our driving force. Quality is the soul of enterprise and that is what we have always done. In the future, Shandong Jiuchong Chemical Company Limited hopes to build a brilliant tomorrow with you!

FAQ
