Chemical name: Sodium Metabisulfite Formula: Na₂S₂O₅ Appearance: White or slightly yellow crystalline powder Smell: Slight sulfur (like burnt matches) ⚙️ Main uses of SMBS 🥗 Food industry Preservative (prevents spoilage & discoloration) Used in dried fruits, juices, pickles Acts as an antioxidant 👉 Helps extend shelf life 💧 Water treatment Removes chlorine (dechlorination) Used in RO plants and wastewater treatment 🧵 Textile industry Bleaching agent Removes excess dye after dyeing 🏭 Other uses Leather processing Gold extraction (as a reducing agent) Pharmaceutical manufacturing 🔬 Key properties Strong reducing agent Releases sulfur dioxide (SO₂) when mixed with water or acid Soluble in water ⚠️ Safety & handling Can cause skin and eye irritation Breathing dust may ir