
As a meat preservative that helps meats retain their bright red color. Some other uses of potassium nitrate include: The rapid formation of very hot gases is responsible for the shock wave produced in the explosion. At the same time, the potassium nitrate decomposes to produce a variety of products, one of which is nitric oxide (NO). When the mixture is ignited, the carbon and sulfur burn very rapidly to produce carbon dioxide (CO) and sulfur dioxide (SO 2. For example, gunpowder, the oldest known explosive, is a mixture of potassium nitrate, charcoal (nearly pure carbon), and sulfur. An oxidizing agent is a substance that provides oxygen for the combustion of some other material. The compound is used as an oxidizing agent in such preparations. The primary use of potassium nitrate is in explosives, blasting powders, gunpowder, fireworks, and matches. These sources of potassium nitrate are of use on a small scale basis and have no commercial value. The compound usually appears as a white powder on the surface of soil. In warm climates, potassium nitrate forms when bacteria decompose animal feces and other organic matter. It occurs as a thin, whitish, glassy crust on rocks in sheltered areas, such as caves. The compound can also be obtained for use from natural sources. Soluble in water and glycerol slightly soluble in ethyl alcohol Not applicable decomposes above 400☌ (750☏) SOLUBILITY: Potassium, nitrogen, oxygen COMPOUND TYPE: Niter saltpeter nitrate of potash FORMULA: Potassium nitrate is made commercially by reacting potassium chloride (KCl) with nitric acid (HNO 3) at high temperatures: 3KCl + 4HNO 3 → 3KNO 3 + Cl 2 + NOCl + 2H 2O. Going back as far as ancient Chinese civilizations, the compound was used as an ingredient in fireworks, to preserve foods, to make incense burn more evenly, to increase the male sex drive, and for magic potions.
Potassium nitrate, more commonly known as saltpeter or niter, has been used by humans for many centuries. It is slightly hygroscopic, that is, having a tendency to absorb moisture from the air. It is odorless with a sharp, cool, salty taste.
Potassium nitrate (poe-TAS-ee-yum NYE-trate) is transparent, colorless, or white, and may be crystalline or powdery solid.