Potassium nitrate
Other names	Nitrate of potash, Vesta Powder, or Saltpetre
Identifiers
CAS number	[7757-79-1]
Properties
Molecular formula	KNO3
Molar mass	101. CAS registry numbers are unique numerical identifiers for Chemical compounds Polymers biological sequences mixtures and Alloys They are also referred to A chemical formula is a way of expressing information about the Atoms that constitute a particular Chemical compound, and how the relationship between those atoms changes Molar mass, symbol M, is the Mass of one mole of a substance ( Chemical element or Chemical compound) 1032
Appearance	white solid
Density	2. The density of a material is defined as its Mass per unit Volume: \rho = \frac{m}{V} Different materials usually have different 109 g·cm−3 (16 °C) (solid[1]
Melting point	334 °C[1]
Boiling point	400 °C decomp. The melting point of a solid is the temperature range at which it changes state from solid to Liquid. The boiling point of a liquid is the temperature at which the Vapor pressure of the liquid equals the environmental pressure surrounding the liquid [1]
Solubility in water	36 g/100 mL (25 °C)
Hazards
MSDS	External MSDS
EU classification	O[1]
NFPA 704	0 1 3 OX
R-phrases	8[1]
S-phrases	17, 24/25[1]
Related compounds
Other anions	Potassium nitrite
Other cations	Lithium nitrate Sodium nitrate Rubidium nitrate Caesium nitrate
Supplementary data page
Structure and properties	n, εr, etc. Solubility is the characteristic Physical property referring to the ability of a given substance the Solute, to dissolve in a Solvent. Water is a common Chemical substance that is essential for the survival of all known forms of Life. A material safety data sheet ( MSDS) is a form containing data regarding the properties of a particular substance Potassium nitrate is an Oxidizer so storing it near fire hazards or reducing agents should be avoided to minimise risk in case of a fire Council Directive 67/548/EEC of 27 June 1967 on the approximation of laws regulations and administrative provisions relating to the classification packaging and labelling Symbolism The four divisions are typically color-coded with blue indicating level of Health Hazard, red indicating R-phrases (short for Risk Phrases) are defined in Annex III of European Union Directive 67/548/EEC: Nature of special risks attributed to dangerous S-phrases are defined in Annex IV of European Union Directive 67/548/EEC: Safety advice concerning dangerous substances and preparations. An ion is an Atom or Molecule which has lost or gained one or more Valence electrons giving it a positive or negative electrical charge Potassium Nitrite, with Chemical formula 2 is a material which contains Potassium and Nitrogen. An ion is an Atom or Molecule which has lost or gained one or more Valence electrons giving it a positive or negative electrical charge Lithium nitrate is an Inorganic compound with the formula LiNO3 Sodium nitrate is the Chemical compound with the formula NaNO3 Rubidium nitrate is a chemical compound of RbNO3 It is a stable Nitrate of Rubidium. Caesium nitrate is a Chemical compound with the Chemical formula Cs[[Nitrogen N]] O 3 Potassium nitrate is an Oxidizer so storing it near fire hazards or reducing agents should be avoided to minimise risk in case of a fire Potassium nitrate is an Oxidizer so storing it near fire hazards or reducing agents should be avoided to minimise risk in case of a fire The refractive index (or index of Refraction) of a medium is a measure for how much the speed of light (or other waves such as sound waves is reduced inside the medium Measurement The relative static permittivity εr can be measured for static Electric fields as follows first the Capacitance of a test
Thermodynamic data	Phase behaviour Solid, liquid, gas
Spectral data	UV, IR, NMR, MS
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) Infobox disclaimer and references

The crystal structure of KNO₃

Potassium nitrate is a chemical compound with the chemical formula KNO₃. Potassium nitrate is an Oxidizer so storing it near fire hazards or reducing agents should be avoided to minimise risk in case of a fire Potassium nitrate is an Oxidizer so storing it near fire hazards or reducing agents should be avoided to minimise risk in case of a fire Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy or ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry ( UV/ VIS) involves the Spectroscopy of Photons in the UV-visible Infrared spectroscopy (IR spectroscopy is the subset of Spectroscopy that deals with the Infrared region of the Electromagnetic spectrum. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, most commonly known as NMR spectroscopy, is the name given to a technique which exploits the magnetic properties of certain nuclei Mass spectrometry is an analytical technique that identifies the chemical composition of a compound or sample based on the Mass-to-charge ratio of charged particles In Chemistry, the standard state of a material is its state at 1 bar (100 Kilopascals exactly A chemical compound is a substance consisting of two or more different elements chemically bonded together in a fixed proportion by Mass. A chemical formula is a way of expressing information about the Atoms that constitute a particular Chemical compound, and how the relationship between those atoms changes Potassium (pəˈtæsiəm is a Chemical element. It has the symbol K (kalium from qalīy Atomic number 19 and Atomic mass 39 Nitrogen (ˈnaɪtɹəʤɪn is a Chemical element that has the symbol N and Atomic number 7 and Atomic weight 14 Oxygen (from the Greek roots ὀξύς (oxys (acid literally "sharp" from the taste of acids and -γενής (-genēs (producer literally begetteris the A naturally occurring mineral source of nitrogen, KNO₃ constitutes a critical oxidizing component of black powder gunpowder. Nitrogen (ˈnaɪtɹəʤɪn is a Chemical element that has the symbol N and Atomic number 7 and Atomic weight 14 Redox (shorthand for reduction-oxidation reaction describes all Chemical reactions in which atoms have their Oxidation number ( Oxidation state Gunpowder is a an explosive mixture of Sulfur, Charcoal and Potassium nitrate (also known as saltpetre/saltpeter that burns rapidly producing volumes Gunpowder is a an explosive mixture of Sulfur, Charcoal and Potassium nitrate (also known as saltpetre/saltpeter that burns rapidly producing volumes In the past it was also used for several kinds of burning fuses, including slow matches. Slow match or match cord is the very slow burning cord or twine fuse used by early Gunpowder Musketeers, artillerymen and soldiers to ignite Since potassium nitrate readily precipitates, urine was a significant source, through various malodorous means, from the Late Middle Ages and Early Modern era through the 19th century. Precipitation is the formation of a Solid in a Solution during a Chemical reaction. Urine is a liquid waste product of the body secreted by the Kidneys by a process of filtration from Blood and Excreted through the Urethra. The Late Middle Ages is a term used by historians to describe European history in the period of the 14th and 15th centuries (AD 1300–1499 The early modern period is a term initially used by historians to refer mainly to the period roughly from 1500 to 1800 in Western Europe ( Early modern Europe)

Its common names include saltpetre, from Medieval Latin sal petrae: "stone salt" or possibly "Salt of Petra" (saltpeter in US English), nitrate of potash, and nitre (US niter). Petra (from "petra" rock in Greek; Arabic: البتراء Al-Batrāʾ) is an archaeological site in the Arabah For specific information about the naturally occurring mineral, see nitre. Niter (US or nitre (UK is the mineral form of Potassium nitrate, KNO3 also known as saltpeter (US or saltpetre (UK The name Chile saltpeter is applied to sodium nitrate, a different nitrogen compound that is also used in explosives and fertilizers. Sodium nitrate is the Chemical compound with the formula NaNO3

Description

Potassium nitrate is the oxidizing component of black powder. Gunpowder is a an explosive mixture of Sulfur, Charcoal and Potassium nitrate (also known as saltpetre/saltpeter that burns rapidly producing volumes Before the large-scale industrial fixation of nitrogen through the Haber process, major sources of potassium nitrate were the deposits crystallizing from cave walls and the draining of decomposing organic material. Nitrogen fixation is the process by which Nitrogen is taken from its natural relatively inert molecular form (N2 in the atmosphere and converted into The Haber process, also called the Haber–Bosch process, is the Nitrogen fixation reaction of Nitrogen and Hydrogen, over an iron substrate Decomposition (or spoilage) refers to the break down of tissue of a formerly living Organism into simpler forms of matter Organic matter (or organic material) is Matter that has come from a once-living Organism; is capable of Dung-heaps were a particularly common source: ammonia from the decomposition of urea and other nitrogenous materials would undergo bacterial oxidation to produce nitrate. Ammonia is a compound with the formula N[[hydrogen H3]] It is normally encountered as a Gas with a characteristic pungent Odor Urea is an Organic compound with the Chemical formula ( N[[hydrogen H]]22 C[[oxygen O]] It was and is also used as a component in some fertilizers. Fertilizers ( also spelt fertiliser are chemical compounds given to Plants to promote growth they are usually applied either through the soil for uptake by plant When used by itself as a fertilizer, it has an NPK rating of 13-0-38 (indicating 13. NPK rating (or N-P-K is the acronym for the ratio of the chemicals Nitrogen (N Phosphorus (P and Potassium (K that are commonly used in Fertilizers 9%, 0%, and 38. 7% of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, by mass, respectively). Potassium nitrate was once thought to induce impotence, and is still rumored to be in institutional food (such as military fare) as an anaphrodisiac; these uses would be ineffective, since potassium nitrate has no such properties. An anaphrodisiac is something that quells or blunts the Libido. ^[2] However, potassium nitrate and other nitrates do successfully combat high blood pressure and are used medically to relieve angina.

Manufacture

Historically, nitre-beds were prepared by mixing manure with either mortar or wood ashes, common earth and organic materials such as straw to give porosity to a compost pile typically 1. Manure is Organic matter used as Organic fertilizer in Agriculture. 5 meters high by 2 meters wide by 5 metres long. ^[3] The heap was usually under a cover from the rain, kept moist with urine, turned often to accelerate the decomposition and leached with water after approximately one year. The liquid containing various nitrates was then converted with wood ashes to potassium nitrates, crystallized and refined for use in gunpowder. Gunpowder is a an explosive mixture of Sulfur, Charcoal and Potassium nitrate (also known as saltpetre/saltpeter that burns rapidly producing volumes

In more rural times, urine was collected and used in the manufacture of gunpowder. Stale urine was filtered through a barrel full of straw and allowed to continue to sour for a year or more. After this period of time, water was used to wash the resulting chemical salts from the straw. This slurry was filtered through wood ashes and allowed to dry in the sun. Saltpeter crystals were then collected and added to brimstone and charcoal to create black powder. Sulfur or sulphur (ˈsʌlfɚ see spelling below) is the Chemical element that has the Atomic number 16 Charcoal' is the blackish residue consisting of impure Carbon obtained by removing water and other volatile constituents from Animal and Vegetation Gunpowder is a an explosive mixture of Sulfur, Charcoal and Potassium nitrate (also known as saltpetre/saltpeter that burns rapidly producing volumes

Potassium nitrate could also be harvested from accumulations of bat guano in caves. Guano (from the Quechua 'wanu' via Spanish) is the Feces of Seabirds Bats and seals This was the traditional method used in Laos for the manufacture of gunpowder for Bang Fai rockets. This article is about the traditional Rocket Festival of Laos and Thailand for another meaning see Rocket Festival Spain A Rocket Festival

al-Hassan (2001) argues—contra the general notion that Arabic alchemy and chemistry did not know of saltpetre until the thirteenth century—that Arabs knew of saltpetre in the 8th century and were purifying it by the eleventh. Potassium nitrate is a Chemical compound with the Chemical formula K[[Nitrogen N]] O 3 al-Hassan (2001) argues that the first Arabic work with a purification process for saltpetre was the al-Muqaddimat, an Arabic medical work written by the Arab physician Ibn Bakhtawayh in 1029. Potassium nitrate is a Chemical compound with the Chemical formula K[[Nitrogen N]] O 3 ^[4] The earliest known complete purification process for potassium nitrate is described in 1270 by the Arab chemist and engineer Hasan al-Rammah of Syria in his book al-Furusiyya wa al-Manasib al-Harbiyya (The Book of Military Horsemanship and Ingenious War Devices), where he first described the use of potassium carbonate (in the form of wood ashes) to remove calcium and magnesium salts from the potassium nitrate. Syria ( سوريّة or) officially the Syrian Arab Republic (Arabic ar الجمهورية العربية السورية Carbonate of potash redirects here For one of potassium carbonate's impure forms see Potash. Wood is hard fibrous lignified structural tissue produced as secondary Xylem in the stems of Woody plants notably trees but also shrubs Calcium carbonate is a Chemical compound with the Chemical formula Ca[[Carbon C]] O 3 Magnesium carbonate, MgCO3 is a white Solid that occurs in nature as a Mineral. Salt is a Dietary mineral composed primarily of Sodium chloride that is essential for Animal life but toxic to most land plants ^[5]

During the 19th century and until around World War I, potassium nitrate was produced on an industrial scale, first by the Birkeland-Eyde process in 1905, and then later from ammonium produced by the much more efficient Haber process. World War I (abbreviated WWI; also known as the First World War, the Great War, and the War to End All The Birkeland-Eyde process was developed by Norwegian industrialist and scientist Kristian Birkeland along with his business partner Sam Eyde. The Haber process, also called the Haber–Bosch process, is the Nitrogen fixation reaction of Nitrogen and Hydrogen, over an iron substrate The latter process came online during World War I, and supplied Germany with nitrates critical for the warfare that it otherwise had no access because the deposits of natural nitrate in Chile were in British hands. Chile, officially the Republic of Chile ( Spanish:) is a country in South America occupying a long and narrow Coastal strip wedged between the It is assumed that this prolonged World War I. Today practically all nitrates are produced by ammonia from the Haber process. The Haber process, also called the Haber–Bosch process, is the Nitrogen fixation reaction of Nitrogen and Hydrogen, over an iron substrate

Applications

Saltpeter was used as an anaphrodisiac throughout history. An anaphrodisiac is something that quells or blunts the Libido.

Potassium nitrate is also used as a fertilizer, in amateur rocket propellant, and in several fireworks such as smoke bombs, in which a mixture with sugar produces a smoke cloud of 600 times their own volume. Fertilizers ( also spelt fertiliser are chemical compounds given to Plants to promote growth they are usually applied either through the soil for uptake by plant Rocket candy is a term used to describe the practice of manufacturing Rocket fuel from a formulation using Sugar as a fuel and binder A smoke bomb is a Firework designed to produce Smoke upon ignition The ratio for smoke bombs using sucrose (powdered sugar) and potassium nitrate is 40(C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁):60(KNO₃). Solubility of Pure SucroseTemperature(Cg It can be used as is,or consolidated into a lump by mixing with water to make a paste and allowing to dry overnight. ^[6]

In the process of food preservation, potassium nitrate has been a common ingredient of salted meat since the Middle Ages, but its use has been deprecated. Food preservation is the process of treating and handling Food in a way that preserves its edibility and nutrition value Saltpeter is a key ingredient in the brine used to make Corned Beef brisket. In the US and Canada Corned beef has two meanings One refers to a cut of Beef (usually Brisket, but sometimes round or silverside) ^[7] Saltpeter gives Corned Beef a pink hue when cooked.

In the European Union, it is referred to as E252. E numbers are number codes for Food additives and are usually found on Food labels throughout the European Union.

It is commonly used in pre-rolled cigarettes to maintain an even burn of the tobacco. ^[8]

Potassium nitrate is also the main component (usually about 98%) of tree stump remover; it accelerates the natural decomposition of the stump. ^[9]

Potassium Nitrate is also commonly used in the Heat Treatment of metals as a solvent in the Post-Wash. The oxidizing, water solubility and low cost make it an ideal short-term rust inhibitor.

It has also been used in the manufacture of ice cream and can be found in some toothpastes for sensitive teeth. Ice cream or ice-cream (originally iced cream) is a frozen dessert made from Dairy products such as Milk and Cream, combined Toothpaste is a Paste or Gel Dentifrice used to clean and maintain the aesthetics and health of Teeth. Recently, the use of potassium nitrate in toothpastes for treating sensitive teeth has increased dramatically, despite the fact that it has not been conclusively shown to help dental hypersensitivity. Toothpaste is a Paste or Gel Dentifrice used to clean and maintain the aesthetics and health of Teeth. ^[10]

Potassium nitrate is also one of the three components of black powder, along with powdered charcoal (substantially carbon) and sulfur, where it acts as an oxidizer. Gunpowder is a an explosive mixture of Sulfur, Charcoal and Potassium nitrate (also known as saltpetre/saltpeter that burns rapidly producing volumes An oxidizing agent or oxidising agent (also called an oxidant, oxidizer or oxidiser) can be defined as either a Chemical compound It can also be burnt by itself (although it has a high flash point) producing a hot pink-orange flame.

See also

• Nitric acid
• Niter
• Black powder
• Gunpowder
• Sodium nitrate
• Sodium nitrite
• Potassium nitrite

References

Literature

• Dennis W. Barnum. (2003). "Some History of Nitrates. " Journal of Chemical Education. v. 80, p. 1393-. link.
• Alan Williams: The production of saltpeter in the middle ages, Ambix, 22 (1975), p. 125-33. Maney Publishing, ISSN 0002-6980. Maney Publishing is an independent publisher of academic journals and books

External links

• International Chemical Safety Card 018402216
• "INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF SALTPETER" - by Joseph Leconte, professor of chemistry and geology in South Carolina College