Tetrathionate

Alternatively, the compound can be viewed as the adduct resulting from the binding of S2−2 to SO3.

Tetrathionate is one of the polythionates, a family of anions with the formula [Sn(SO3)2]2−.

The Chemical Abstracts Service identifies tetrathionate by the CAS Number 15536-54-6.

Tetrathionate's structure can be visualized by following three edges of a rectangular cuboid, as in the diagram below.

Tetrathionate has also been found to serve as a terminal electron acceptor for Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium, whereas existing thiosulfate in the small intestines of mammals is oxidized by reactive oxygen species released by the immune system (mainly NADPH oxidase produced superoxide) to form tetrathionate.

The structure of the tetrathionate anion