Potassium nitrate
General Product Information
| Article | Potassium nitrate |
| Synonyms | E252, Salpeter, Saltpetre, Nitrate of potash, Nitre |
| CAS No. | 7757-79-1 |
| EEG No. | – |
| EINECS No. | 231-818-8 |
| IMO | Class 5.1 |
| Tariff Code | 28342100 |
| UN No. | 1486 |
| VLG/ADR | Class 5.1, Packing Group iii |
Description
Potassium nitrate is a widely used substance in industry with Applications in Agriculture, Food Industry and Chemical Production. In the commercial market, potassium nitrate is mainly used as a fertilizer, but also in the production of fireworks, explosives and preservatives for meat products.
Characteristics
- Odor: –
- Hygroscopic: –
- Color: White to Colorless.
- Grade: Food.
- Solubility: Highly soluble in water.
- Taste: Slightly bitter taste.
- Shape: Crystalline powder.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Chemical Structure | KNO3 |
| Molar Weight | 101.1 g/mol |
| Melting Point | 334 °C |
| Boiling Point | Decomposes without boiling above 400 °C. |
| Density | – |
| Refractive Index | – |
| pH | – |
Applications
Potassium sodium is applied in various ways, for instance:
1. Food Industry
Potassium nitrate (as food additive E252) is used in the food industry as a preservative, especially in meat products such as ham, bacon and sausage, to extend shelf life and inhibit bacterial growth.
2. Agriculture
Potassium nitrate is widely used as a fertilizer, especially for fruits and vegetables that need a lot of potassium. It promotes root growth and strengthens crop resistance to drought and disease.
3. Chemical Industry
Potassium nitrate is used in the production of various chemicals, including potassium compounds and nitrogen-containing compounds.
Interessing Links
- Codex Alimentarius (FAO/WHO) – Guidelines and standards for food additives and ingredients.
- European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) – For chemical information and regulations.
- European Food Information Council (EFIC)
- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) – Information on the safety and uses of food additives and ingredients.
- PubChem – Potassium Nitrate – Chemical information by the National Library of Medicine der National Center for Biotechnology Information (NIH-NCBI).
- Wikipedia – Potassium nitrate