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
Ammonium Chloride
Ammonium chloride is a white crystalline salt with a salty, slightly acidic taste. It is highly soluble in water and is widely used in various industrial, agricultural, and pharmaceutical applications. It acts as a nitrogen source in fertilizers, a flux in metalworking, and an expectorant in medicine. Its versatility and relatively low toxicity make it an important compound in multiple sectors.
Calcium Chloride
Calcium Chloride is an inorganic salt composed of calcium and chlorine with the chemical formula CaCl₂. It typically appears as a white crystalline solid or granular powder, highly soluble in water and exhibiting strong hygroscopic properties. Calcium Chloride is widely used for its moisture-absorbing ability, de-icing, dust control, and as a firming agent in food processing. It finds extensive applications across industrial, pharmaceutical, agricultural, and food sectors due to its efficacy in modifying physical and chemical properties of products and environments.
Calcium Nitrate
Calcium Nitrate is a highly soluble, white crystalline salt composed of calcium and nitrate ions. It is commonly available as a tetrahydrate (Ca(NO₃)₂·4H₂O). Known for its excellent solubility in water, calcium nitrate is widely used as a fertilizer providing both calcium and nitrogen to plants. It improves soil structure, enhances nutrient uptake, and prevents disorders such as blossom-end rot in fruits. Beyond agriculture, calcium nitrate serves in wastewater treatment, concrete acceleration, and industrial chemical processes.
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.
Cetirizine Hydrochloride
Cetirizine Hydrochloride is a widely used second-generation antihistamine effective for treating allergic conditions such as allergic rhinitis, chronic urticaria, and other allergy symptoms. It is the hydrochloride salt form of cetirizine, existing as a white to off-white crystalline powder with a slightly bitter taste. Cetirizine HCl acts by selectively blocking peripheral H1 histamine receptors, thereby reducing allergic symptoms without significant sedation or central nervous system depression. It is commonly formulated into tablets, syrups, and capsules as an active pharmaceutical ingredient.
Citric Acid Anhydrous
Citric Acid Anhydrous is a white, crystalline organic acid widely used across food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and industrial sectors. It is the anhydrous form of citric acid, meaning it contains no water molecules in its crystal lattice, resulting in higher purity and more concentrated acidic properties compared to its monohydrate form. Derived from natural sources like citrus fruits or produced via microbial fermentation, citric acid anhydrous is valued for its sour taste, excellent chelating ability, and buffering capacity. It serves as a natural preservative, pH adjuster, antioxidant synergist, and cleaning agent, making it a versatile ingredient in many formulations.
Levamisole Hcl BP2000
Levamisole Hcl BP2000 is a white to off-white crystalline powder, soluble in water, with anthelmintic and immunomodulatory properties. It is primarily used as a veterinary antiparasitic agent effective against gastrointestinal nematodes in livestock. Levamisole HCL BP2000 conforms to British Pharmacopoeia standards, ensuring high purity and quality for pharmaceutical and veterinary formulations. Beyond veterinary uses, it is also researched for immunostimulant properties in medical applications.
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.

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