Potassium Nitrate
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Potassium Nitrate is a white crystalline salt commonly known as saltpeter. It is a key oxidizing agent widely used in fertilizers, food preservation, pyrotechnics, and chemical manufacturing. Potassium Nitrate provides essential potassium and nitrogen nutrients in agriculture and acts as a source of oxygen in combustion reactions. Its stability and solubility make it valuable across various industries from agriculture to explosives.
Categories: Fertilizers, Oxidizing Agents, Pyrotechnic Chemicals
Tags: Fertilizer, Inorganic Fertilizer, KNO₃, Potassium Nitrate, Saltpeter, White crystalline powder
Description
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Potassium Nitrate
Primary Uses
- Agriculture
- Used extensively as a high-quality fertilizer supplying potassium and nitrogen essential for plant growth.
- Applied in hydroponics and soil conditioning to enhance crop yield and quality.
- Food Preservation
- Employed as a curing agent in processed meats to inhibit microbial growth and preserve color.
- Acts as a preservative and antioxidant in food products.
- Pyrotechnics and Explosives
- Serves as an oxidizer in fireworks, explosives, and rocket propellants.
- Used in manufacturing gunpowder and other pyrotechnic devices.
- Chemical Industry
- Utilized as a raw material in producing nitric acid and other potassium compounds.
- Acts as an oxidizing agent in various chemical syntheses.
Secondary Uses
- Glass and Ceramics
- Used as a flux in glassmaking to improve clarity and melting properties.
- Pharmaceuticals
- Used in small quantities in pharmaceutical formulations and diagnostic agents.
- Water Treatment
- Occasionally used in water treatment processes as an oxidizing agent.
- Metallurgy
- Applied in metal heat treatment processes and metal polishing compounds.
KEY PRODUCT FEATURES
1. Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): Potassium nitrate
- Common/Trade Name: Potassium Nitrate
- CAS Number: 7757-79-1
- HS Code: 2834.29
- Synonyms: Saltpeter; Nitrate of potash
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: White crystalline solid or powder
- Color & Odor: White; odorless
- Solubility: Highly soluble in water (~31.6 g/100 mL at 20°C)
- Melting Point: 334°C
- Density: 2.11 g/cm³
- Stability: Stable under normal conditions; decomposes on heating above 400°C
3. Safety & Hazard Attributes
- GHS Classification: Oxidizing solid (Category 2); may intensify fire
- Toxicity: Low to moderate toxicity; avoid ingestion and inhalation
- Exposure Limits: Follow occupational safety limits; use protective equipment
4. Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from combustible materials
- Container Type: Plastic or metal containers with tight seals
- Shelf Life: Generally 2–5 years if stored properly
- Handling Precautions: Avoid contamination with organic materials; use PPE to prevent dust inhalation
5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- Complies with fertilizer, food additive, and chemical safety regulations worldwide
- Classified as hazardous for transport due to oxidizing properties
6. Environmental & Health Impact
- Biodegradability: Inorganic salt; does not biodegrade but is environmentally stable
- Ecotoxicity: Can be harmful to aquatic life in high concentrations due to nitrate pollution
- Bioaccumulation: Not significant
SAFETY HANDLING PRECAUTIONS
Safety Handling Precautions
- PPE Required: Gloves, safety goggles, dust mask or respirator recommended
- Handling Guidelines: Avoid dust formation and contact with combustible materials
- Storage Measures: Keep containers tightly closed and away from heat and ignition sources
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if respiratory symptoms occur
- Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water; seek medical advice if irritation persists
- Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical attention if irritation continues
- Ingestion: Rinse mouth; seek medical advice immediately
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Strong oxidizer; may intensify fires and cause explosions when in contact with flammable materials
- Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, or dry chemical extinguishers; avoid dry powder extinguishers alone
- Special Precautions: Firefighters must wear protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus
- Hazardous Combustion Products: Nitrogen oxides and potassium oxides
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Calcium Chloride
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Calcium Propionate
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Calcium Saccharin
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Potassium Chlorate
Potassium Chlorate is a strong oxidizing agent and crystalline chemical compound widely used in various industrial, laboratory, and commercial applications. It appears as a white, odorless, and water-soluble solid. Potassium Chlorate serves primarily as a source of oxygen in chemical reactions and is critical in the manufacture of explosives, matches, fireworks, and disinfectants. Due to its reactive nature, it requires careful handling and storage.
Sodium Nitrate
Sodium Nitrate is an inorganic white crystalline solid with the chemical formula NaNO₃. This 25kg packaged industrial-grade product serves as a powerful oxidizing agent and nitrogen source, widely used in fertilizers, pyrotechnics, food preservation, and chemical manufacturing. Its high solubility and stability make it ideal for controlled oxidation processes and nitrate salt production.

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