Potassium Nitrate is a white, crystalline, water-soluble salt composed of potassium and nitrate ions. It is widely used as a fertilizer, providing essential nutrients for plant growth, and as an oxidizing agent in industrial applications. In the food industry, it is used as a preservative and curing agent, while in pyrotechnics and fireworks, it serves as a key oxidizer to support combustion and produce controlled effects. Potassium nitrate is also employed in glass and ceramic production, metallurgy, and laboratory chemical processes.
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Chemical Formula: KNO₃
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Appearance: White crystalline powder
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Key Uses: Fertilizer, oxidizer, preservative, laboratory reagent
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Industries: Agriculture, food processing, pyrotechnics, chemical manufacturing, metallurgy
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Low toxicity by ingestion, but large amounts may cause nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain.
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May cause irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract if dust is inhaled.
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Prolonged or repeated exposure can irritate skin.
Fire & Explosion Hazards:
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Strong oxidizer — can accelerate combustion of flammable or combustible materials.
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Can cause or intensify fires when in contact with organic materials, reducing agents, or finely divided metals.
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Not flammable itself, but contributes oxygen to support fire.
Environmental Hazards:
Precautionary Measures:
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Store away from heat, sparks, open flames, and incompatible substances (reducing agents, organics, metals).
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Avoid breathing dust; use in well-ventilated areas.
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Wear protective gloves, clothing, and eye protection.
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Wash hands and exposed skin after handling.
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Dispose of safely according to local regulations.
Uses
Main uses of Potassium Nitrate (KNO₃)
1. Agriculture & Horticulture
2. Food industry
3. Pyrotechnics & Fireworks
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Oxidizer in fireworks and flares: Supplies oxygen to fuel compositions to produce effects (colours, lifts, smoke).
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Black powder component: Historically and commercially used as the oxidizing salt in gunpowder/black powder formulations.
4. Propellants & Explosives (industrial or historical uses)
5. Glass, Ceramics & Metallurgy
6. Laboratory & Chemical Manufacture
7. Pharmaceuticals & Personal Care
8. Other niche uses
Key safety notes (short)
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Strong oxidizer — can accelerate combustion of organic/flammable materials.
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Store cool, dry, away from reducing agents and combustible materials.
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Handle with basic PPE (gloves, eye protection); avoid contamination with organics/oils.
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Regulatory: Uses in food, pyrotechnics and explosives are regulated in many countries — follow local laws.
Hazards
Hazard Statements (H-codes):
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H272 – May intensify fire; oxidizer.
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H302 – Harmful if swallowed (for high exposure concentrations).
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H319 – Causes serious eye irritation.
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H335 – May cause respiratory irritation.
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H411 – Toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects (if large quantities are released).
Precautionary Statements (P-codes):
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P210 – Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames, and other ignition sources.
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P220 – Keep/Store away from clothing and combustible materials.
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P221 – Take any precaution to avoid mixing with combustible or reducing materials.
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P261 – Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapors/spray.
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P264 – Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
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P273 – Avoid release to the environment.
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P280 – Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, and eye/face protection.
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P302+P352 – IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water.
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P305+P351+P338 – IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do – continue rinsing.
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P312 – Call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician if you feel unwell.
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P501 – Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local/regional/national regulations.
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