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The dithionate (or metabisulfate) anion, , is a sulfur oxyanion derived from dithionic acid, H2S2O6. Its chemical formula is sometimes written in a semistructural format, as O3SSO32−. It is the first member of the polythionates.
The sulfur atoms of the dithionate ion are in the +5 oxidation state due to the presence of the S–S bond. Generally, dithionates form stable compounds that are not readily oxidised or reduced. Strong oxidants oxidise them to and strong reducing agents reduce them to and . Aqueous solutions of dithionates are quite stable and can be boiled without decomposition.
The Gamma radiation of crystalline dithionates produces radical ions. Radiation Chemistry of Dithionates G.S. Murthy, R.L. Eager, and K.J. McCallum Can. J. Chem. 49(22),(1971), 3733 The unpaired electron in the radical can be detected with electron paramagnetic resonance and barium dithionate has been proposed as the basis for a radiation dosimetry. Barium dithionate as an EPR dosemeter Baran M.P., Bugay O.A., Kolesnik S. P., Maksimenko V. M., Teslenko V. V., Petrenko T. L. Desrosiers M. F. Radiation Protection Dosimetry 2006 120, 202;
The dithionate ion can act as a bidentate ligand. Structures of Some Copper (II) Complexes Containing Ion Ishii M. Bulletin of the Yamagata University 5, 1,(2001), 7
The structure of the dithionate ion in the solid state is staggered in Na2S2O6·2H2O, whereas in the anhydrous potassium salt it is nearly eclipsed.
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