How does thiosulfate ion affect health and the environment?
Thiosulfate is an antidote for cyanide poisoning. It reacts with cyanide to produce sulfite and thiocyanate ions: CN- + S2O32- SCN- + SO32- This reaction is catalyzed by an enzyme produced by cell mitochondria to neutralize small quantities of ingested cyanide (which occurs naturally in cassava root, lima beans, and almonds!). Thiosulfate is an intermediate in several biochemical pathways, including the synthesis of L-cysteine (an amino acid). Thiosulfate is manufactured by some cells by oxidation of elemental sulfur and by degradation of L-cysteine. Thiosulfates break down rapidly in the environment due to the action of air and certain bacteria, eventually producing sulfides and sulfates.
