Trithionate is an oxyanion of sulfur with the chemical formula S3O2−6. It is the conjugate base of trithionic acid. Dilute sodium hydroxide hydrolyzes S4N4 as follows, yielding sodium thiosulfate and sodium trithionate:
2 S4N4 + 6 NaOH + 9 H2O → Na2S2O3 + 2 Na2S3O6 + 8 NH3 Certain sulfate-reducing bacteria have been known to use the compound in respiration.
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