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
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 Dihydrochloride
Cetirizine Dihydrochloride is a second-generation antihistamine widely used to relieve allergy symptoms such as hay fever, urticaria (hives), and other allergic conditions. It is the dihydrochloride salt form of cetirizine, presenting as a white to off-white crystalline powder that is odorless or nearly odorless and slightly bitter in taste. Cetirizine Dihydrochloride acts as a selective antagonist of peripheral H1 histamine receptors, preventing the effects of histamine and thereby reducing allergic symptoms without causing significant sedation. It is a commonly prescribed active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) in oral tablets, syrups, and capsules.
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 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 Persulfate
Sodium Persulfate is a white crystalline powder with the chemical formula Na₂S₂O₈. It is a powerful oxidizing agent widely used in industrial and chemical applications. This 25kg packaged product is highly soluble in water and decomposes to release oxygen, making it effective for polymerization, etching, and cleaning processes. Its strong oxidation properties and stability under storage conditions make it a preferred choice for various demanding applications.
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.

Preservatives(food)
Flavor Enhancers
Acidulants
Sweeteners
Antioxidants
Colorants(food)
Nutraceutical Ingredients (food)
Nutrient Supplements
Emulsifiers
Collectors
Dust Suppressants
Explosives and Blasting Agents
Flocculants and Coagulants
Frothers
Leaching Agents
pH Modifiers
Precious Metal Extraction Agents
Antioxidants(plastic)
Colorants (Pigments, Dyes)
Fillers and Reinforcements
Flame Retardants
Monomers
Plasticizers
Polymerization Initiators
Stabilizers (UV, Heat)
Antifoaming Agents
Chelating Agents
Coagulants and Flocculants
Corrosion Inhibitors
Disinfectants and Biocides
Oxidizing Agents
pH Adjusters
Scale Inhibitors( water)
Antioxidants(cosmetic)
Emollients
Fragrances and Essential Oils
Humectants
Preservatives
Surfactants(cosmetic)
Thickeners
UV Filters
Fertilizers
Soil Conditioners
Plant Growth Regulators
Animal Feed Additives
Biostimulants
Pesticides (Herbicides, Insecticides, Fungicides)
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs)
Excipients
Solvents(pharmaceutical)
Antibiotics
Antiseptics and Disinfectants
Vaccine Adjuvants
Nutraceutical Ingredients (pharmaceutical)
Analgesics & Antipyretics
Analytical Reagents
Solvents(lab)
Chromatography Chemicals
Spectroscopy Reagents
microbiology-and-cell-culture-reagents
Molecular Biology Reagents
Biochemical Reagents
Inorganic and Organic Standards
Laboratory Safety Chemicals
Specialty Laboratory Chemicals(Special Laboratory Equipment)
Demulsifiers
Hydraulic Fracturing Fluids
Scale Inhibitors(oil)
Surfactants(oil)
Drilling Fluids
Dyes and Pigments
Bleaching Agents
Softening Agents
Finishing Agents
Antistatic Agents
Admixtures
Waterproofing Agents
Sealants and Adhesives
Curing Compounds
Concrete Repair Chemicals
Anti-Corrosion Coatings
Surfactants(cleaning)
Builders
Enzymes
Solvents (Cleaning)
Fragrances
Electronic Chemicals
Catalysts
Lubricants
Photographic Chemicals
Refrigerants
Automotive chemicals
Pyrotechnic Chemicals
Biodegradable Surfactants
Bio-based Solvents
Renewable Polymers
Carbon Capture Chemicals
Wastewater Treatment Chemicals
Pigments
Solvents(paint)
Specialty Coatings
Binders/Resins
Additives
Driers
Anti-Corrosion Agents
Functional Coatings
Application-Specific Coatings
Leavening Agents
Dough Conditioners
Flour Treatments
Fat Replacers
Decoratives
Preservatives(baking)
Plasticizers & Softeners
Reinforcing Agents
Adhesion Promoters
Vulcanizing Agents
Antidegradants
Blowing Agents
Fillers & Extenders
Accelerators & Retarders