Sodium tetrathionate is a chemical compound with the formula Na2S4O6. The spelling of this word can be explained through the use of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The letters "Na" represent the element sodium, pronounced as "[ˈsoʊdiəm]". "Tetrathionate" contains the prefix "tetra", meaning four, and "thionate", which is pronounced as "[ˈθaɪəˌneɪt]". The full word is pronounced as "[ˈsoʊdiəm ˌtɛtrəˈθaɪəˌneɪt]". Sodium tetrathionate is commonly used in chemistry for various applications including as a reducing agent and as a disinfectant.
Sodium tetrathionate is a chemical compound with the formula Na2S4O6. It is composed of two sodium ions (Na+) and a tetrathionate anion (S4O6^2-). The compound is a white, crystalline solid that is highly soluble in water.
Tetrathionate is a polyatomic ion consisting of four sulfur atoms (S) and six oxygen atoms (O) arranged in a cyclic structure. It is characterized by two sulfur atoms that are double-bonded to each other and the other two sulfur atoms, giving the ion a linear shape. The negative charge of the tetrathionate ion is delocalized among the oxygen atoms and the sulfur atoms.
Sodium tetrathionate is primarily used as a reagent in chemical laboratories. It is known for its strong reducing properties and can readily undergo redox reactions. It is often employed in analytical chemistry for the measurement of iodine in solutions, as it can react with iodine to produce iodate ions. Additionally, sodium tetrathionate is utilized in the textile industry as a bleaching agent and in the production of dyes.
In terms of safety, sodium tetrathionate should be handled with care as it can be irritant to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. It should also be stored and transported in appropriate containers to avoid contamination or reactions with other materials.
The word "sodium" is derived from the Latin word "sodanum", which refers to a headache remedy. The term "tetrathionate" is derived from the Greek words "tetra", meaning "four", and "thion", meaning "sulfur". When combined, "tetrathionate" indicates a compound containing four sulfur atoms.