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Potassium metabisulfite is a/an
A. Preservative
B. Antioxidant
C. Artificial sweetener
D. Both A and b

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Answer
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Hint: Potassium metabisulfite, \[{K_2}{S_2}{O_5}\], otherwise called potassium pyrosulfite, is a white translucent powder with an impactful smell. It is predominantly utilized as a cancer prevention agent or substance sterilant As a disulfite, it is artificially fundamentally the same as sodium metabisulfite, with which it is at times utilized conversely. Potassium metabisulfite has a monoclinic gem structure.

Complete step by step solution:
Potassium metabisulphite \[{K_2}{S_2}{O_5}\] is a white crystalline solid with a pungent odour of sulphur. It's used as an antimicrobial preservative, antioxidant and blanching agent in food.
It is a component of certain photographic developers and solutions utilized in photographic fixing.[6]
It is used as a blanching agent within the production of milk.
It is employed in some pickles as a preservative.
It is utilized in tint etching iron-based metal samples for microstructural analysis

So, the correct answer is Option D.

Additional information:
Potassium metabisulfite may be prepared by treating an answer of potash with gas.

\[2{\text{ }}S{O_2}{\text{ }} + {\text{ }}2{\text{ }}KOH{\text{ }} \to {\text{ }}{K_2}{S_2}{O_5}{\text{ }} + {\text{ }}{H_{^2}}O\]

It decomposes at 190 °C, yielding potassium sulfite and sulfur dioxide:

\[{K_2}{S_2}{O_5}{\text{ }} \to {\text{ }}{K_2}S{O_3}{\text{ }} + {\text{ }}S{O_2}\]

Potassium metabisulfite is usually added to juice as a preservative.
Potassium metabisulfite is employed within the textile industry for dyeing and cotton printing.
Potassium metabisulfite is usually accustomed to precipitate gold from solution in acid (as another to sodium sulfite).

Note: Potassium metabisulfite may be a white crystalline powder that features a strong sulfur odor. Additionally, potassium metabisulfite may be a disulfite and encompasses a freezing point of 374 degrees Fahrenheit. Some potential dangers related to exposure to the current substance include severe burning and damage to your eyes, irritation and reddening of your skin and difficulty breathing. If exposed to the raw, unprocessed style of potassium metabisulfite, you ought to immediately seek medical attention. Flush your eyes with water for a quarter-hour and use water to get rid of any of the substance from your skin.