Potassium Nitrate Chemically

Potassium Nitrate is Commonly known as 'saltpetre' or 'saltpeter' and decomposes at a high temperature. This essentially means that gunpowder does not need to be exposed to the air to react, instead, it can burn by simply being. The carbon and sulfur act as a fuel although it undergoes many endothermic reactions. Potassium Nitrate is made of three main elements: Potassium, Nitrogen, and Oxygen, giving it the chemical formula of KNO3. When the proportions are correct, the elements create the compound potassium nitrate, the proportions being 75% potassium nitrate is mixed appropriately with 15% carbon, and 10% sulfur. It is a naturally occurring compound found in sheltered areas such as caves and soils rich in organic matter, but it can also be manufactured in labs. 

Potassium nitrate is formed with one Potassium Cation (K+) and one nitrate atom, making it an ionic salt, which is why there are two separate parts. The components come together to form an orthorhombic ionic structure, but they form a trigonal ionic structure above 130°C.

Physical Properties

• Generally white or light-gray

• No odor

• Melting point of 334°C 

• Boiling point of 400°C 

• Soluble in water, but not alcohol.

Chemical Properties

• Can be used to prepare neutral solutions because of the pH level of its solutions in water

  • Can be used as an additive in food and preservatives

• Alkali metal nitrate

• Occurs in nature as a mineral

• Source of Nitrogen