Potassium Nitrate

1. Prouduct Identification
Synonyms: Saltpeter; Niter; Potassium salt
CAS No.: 7757-79-1
Molecular Weight: 101.1
Chemical Formula: KNO3
Product Codes: 2834219000
Percent: 99 - 100%
Hazardous: Yes

2. Physical and Chemical Properties
Appearance: White granular.
Odor: Odorless.
Solubility: 36 gm/l00 ml water
Specific Gravity: 2.1
pH: Ca. 7 %
Volatiles by volume @ 21C (70F): 0
Boiling Point: 400C (752F)
Melting Point: 333C (631F)
Vapor Density (Air=1): 3.00
Vapor Pressure (mm Hg): Negligible @ 20C
Evaporation Rate (BuAc=1): No information found.

3. Applications
Fertilizer: Used in fertilizers, as a source of nitrogen and potassium-two of the macro nutrients for plants.
Oxidizer:
(1)Used in combination with other fuels like sugars in "rocket candy"
(2)Used in fireworks such as smoke bombs, made with a mixture of sucrose and potassium nitrate.
(3)Added to pre-rolled cigarettes to maintain an even burn of the tobacco and is used to ensure complete combustion of paper cartridges for cap and ball revolvers.
Food preservation: It has been a common ingredient of salted meat, such as charcuterie and the brine used to make corned beef.
Fire extinguishing: It is the main solid particle component of condensed aerosol fire suppression systems.
Tree stump removal: It is the main component (usually about 98%) of tree stump remover, as it accelerates the natural decomposition of the stump by supplying nitrogen for the fungi attacking the wood of the stump.
Heat treatment of metals: It is commonly used in the heat treatment of metals as a solvent in the post-wash.
Pharmacology:
(1) It was added in toothpastes for treating sensitive teeth.
(2) It was used for treating asthma as well as arthritis.
(3) It combats high blood pressure and was used as a hypertensive.

4. Storage
Keep in a tightly closed container, stored in a cool, dry, ventilated area. Protect against physical damage and moisture. Isolate from any source of heat or ignition. Avoid storage on wood floors. Separate from incompatibles, combustibles, organic or other readily oxidizable materials. Containers of this material may be hazardous when empty since they retain product residues (dust, solids); Observe all warnings and precautions listed for the product.