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Potassium Nitrate
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.
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.
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
- 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
Related products
Aluminum Fine Powder
Aluminum fine powder consists of finely divided aluminum particles, typically metallic and silvery-white in appearance. It is produced by atomization or grinding of bulk aluminum and is valued for its high surface area, excellent conductivity, and lightweight metallic properties. Aluminum fine powder is extensively used in various industrial applications including metallurgy, pyrotechnics, coatings, additive manufacturing, and as a pigment. Due to its reactivity, it requires careful handling and storage. Its fine particulate nature makes it particularly useful where rapid oxidation or reaction is desired, such as in explosives or energetic materials. It is also employed in the manufacturing of paints, inks, and cosmetics to impart metallic luster.
Ammonia solution
Ammonia solutions, often referred to as aqueous ammonia or ammonium hydroxide, are clear, colorless liquids consisting of ammonia gas dissolved in water. The concentration of ammonia in these solutions typically ranges from 5% to 35% by weight. Ammonia solutions possess a pungent odor characteristic of ammonia gas and are alkaline with a pH typically between 11 and 12.5. This solution is widely used across various industries due to its excellent cleaning properties, reactivity, and role as a nitrogen source.
Barium Nitrate
Barium Nitrate is an inorganic chemical compound, a white crystalline solid composed of barium and nitrate ions. It is highly soluble in water and serves as an oxidizing agent. Due to its energetic properties, barium nitrate is widely used in pyrotechnics to produce vibrant green colors and as an oxidizer in explosives and fireworks. It is also utilized in the manufacturing of barium oxide and other barium compounds. Barium nitrate must be handled carefully due to its toxicity and oxidizing nature.
Calcium Propionate
Calcium Propionate is the calcium salt of propionic acid, appearing as a white, crystalline powder or granules with a slightly salty taste and low odor. It is highly soluble in water and used primarily as a food preservative and mold inhibitor. Calcium Propionate inhibits the growth of mold, bacteria, and fungi, making it especially valuable in baked goods, dairy products, and animal feed to extend shelf life and prevent spoilage. It also finds application in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics as a preservative and antimicrobial agent.
NPK 17-17-17
NPK 17-17-17 is a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer containing three essential macronutrients: Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K), each at 17% concentration. This balanced formula supports overall plant growth by providing vital nutrients for root development, flowering, and fruiting. It is commonly used in various agricultural and horticultural applications to optimize crop yield and quality.
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.
Potassium Citrate
Potassium Citrate is a potassium salt of citric acid, appearing as a white, crystalline, water-soluble powder. It is widely used in food, pharmaceutical, agricultural, and industrial applications due to its buffering, alkalizing, and sequestrant properties. Potassium Citrate helps regulate acidity and provides potassium ions critical for various biochemical and physiological functions.
Sodium Thiosulphate
Sodium Thiosulphate (Na₂S₂O₃) is a white, crystalline, odorless powder or granular solid highly soluble in water. This 25kg packaged chemical is widely used in photographic processing, water treatment, chemical synthesis, and medicine. Known for its reducing and complexing properties, it acts as an effective dechlorinating agent and fixer in photography by dissolving silver halides. It is stable under normal conditions and easily handled for industrial and laboratory applications.
