Potassium Nitrate Extra Pure

1. Basic Identification Attributes

• Chemical Name: Potassium Nitrate

• CAS Number: 7757-79-1

• HS Code: 2834.21.00

• Molecular Formula: KNO₃

• Synonyms:
  • Saltpeter

  • Nitrate of Potash

  • Nitric Acid, Potassium Salt

  • E252 (as food additive)

2. Physical & Chemical Properties

• Physical State: Solid (granular or crystalline powder)

• Color & Odor: White or colorless; odorless

• Boiling Point & Melting Point:
  • Melting Point: ~334 °C

  • Decomposes before boiling

• Density/Specific Gravity: ~2.11 g/cm³ at 20 °C

• Solubility:
  • Water: Highly soluble (32g/100 mL at 20 °C)

  • Slightly soluble in glycerol

  • Practically insoluble in ethanol and acetone

• pH Level: 6–8 (5% aqueous solution)

• Vapor Pressure & Volatility: Not volatile; negligible vapor pressure

• Flash Point: Not flammable

• Autoignition Temperature: Not applicable

• Viscosity: Not applicable (solid)

3. Safety & Hazard Attributes

• Hazard Class (GHS Classification):
  • Oxidizing Solid (Category 3)

  • Eye Irritation (Category 2A)

• NFPA Ratings:
  • Health: 1

  • Flammability: 0

  • Reactivity: 1

• Exposure Limits:
  • No specific OSHA PEL

  • ACGIH TLV: Not established

• Reactivity:
  • Strong oxidizer

  • Reacts violently with reducing agents, flammable and combustible materials, and acids

4. Storage & Handling Attributes

• Storage Conditions:
  • Store in a tightly closed container

  • Cool, dry, and well-ventilated area

  • Protect from heat, moisture, and combustible substances

• Incompatible Materials:
  • Reducing agents, sulfur, powdered metals, organic materials, acids

• Container Type:
  • Use plastic, HDPE, or coated metal containers resistant to corrosion and oxidation

• Shelf Life & Expiration Date:
  • Long shelf life if stored dry and sealed (2–3 years or longer)

• Special Handling Requirements:
  • Use gloves, goggles, lab coat

  • Avoid creating dust; do not mix with combustibles

5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes

• Regulatory Status:
  • Listed under REACH, TSCA, FDA (as food additive E252)

  • EPA: Recognized for nitrate pollution concerns

• Transportation Restrictions:
  • UN Number: UN1486

  • DOT Hazard Class: 5.1 (Oxidizer)

  • Packing Group: III

• Waste Disposal Method:
  • Dispose of via licensed hazardous waste disposal contractor

  • Avoid release into environment or sewage

6. Environmental & Health Impact

• Ecotoxicity:
  • Toxic to aquatic life in high concentrations

  • Contributes to algal blooms and eutrophication

• Persistence in Environment:
  • Persistent as nitrate ions; leaches into groundwater

• Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity:
  • Not listed as carcinogenic by IARC, NTP, or OSHA

• Biodegradability:
  • Not biodegradable; mobile in soil and water systems