The geometry can be visualized as a tetrahedron with two corners sharing the SO4 anion's configuration and a centrally bridged oxygen atom.

[4] A semi-structural formula for the pyrosulfate anion is O3SOSO32−.

The oxidation state of sulfur in this compound is +6.

Potassium pyrosulfate is used in analytical chemistry; samples are fused with potassium pyrosulfate, (or a mixture of potassium pyrosulfate and potassium fluoride) to ensure complete dissolution prior to a quantitative analysis.

[5][6] The compound is also present in a catalyst in conjunction with vanadium(V) oxide in the industrial production of sulfur trioxide.