Properties

Acts as a strong oxidizing agent.

Decomposes upon heating to produce potassium nitrite (KNO₂) and oxygen gas (O₂).

Reacts vigorously with reducing agents.

Reacts with concentrated sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) to produce nitric acid (HNO₃) and potassium bisulfate (KHSO₄).

Dissociates into potassium ions (K⁺) and nitrate ions (NO₃⁻) in aqueous solution.

Forms a neutral solution in water with a pH close to 7.

Potassium nitrate has a molar mass of 101.10 grams per mole. 

It has a boiling point of 400 °C (752 °F) 

A melting point of 334 °C (633 °F)

A density of 2.11 grams per cubic centimeter at 25 °C (70 °F). 

It is soluble in water at 38.3 grams per 100 milliliters at 25 °C but is only slightly soluble in most alcohols. 

Potassium nitrate is transparent, colorless, or white, and may be crystalline or powdery solid.

It is odorless with a sharp, cool, salty taste. 

It is slightly hygroscopic, that is, tending to absorb moisture from the air.

It is insoluble in ethanol.