Potassium nitrate, commonly known as niter or saltpeter, is a chemical compound that is denoted chemically by the formula KNO3. Potassium nitrate is one of the naturally occurring sources of nitrogen, commonly present in soils and rocks in countries like India, Spain, Egypt and Italy. It is a crystalline and colorless compound, which has been used for varied purposes since ancient times, especially in the making of explosives and fertilizers.
Utilization as a Component of Fertilizers
The most significant and widespread use of potassium nitrate all over the world is as a component of fertilizers. Potassium, nitrogen and phosphorous are the macro nutrients (nutrients required in large quantities) needed by plant species for their normal growth, and potassium nitrate provides ample quantities of these nutrients.
Preserving Food
Another common use of potassium nitrate is as a food preservative. Since the Middle Ages potassium nitrate was utilized as a preserving agent for food, especially meat products. However, as a result of the inconsistent results, the usage of the compound was discontinued, and subsequently it was replaced by the more effective and better nitrate compounds such as nitrites and sodium nitrate among others. However despite this, KNO3 is still used in many food-related processes such as curing meat products and in the production of brine, utilized in making corned beef.
Use of Potassium Nitrate in Making Explosives
Potassium nitrate is widely used in the making of explosives all over the world. KNO3 is one of the major components of gunpowder. Gunpowder is a black-colored compound, which is formed when 75 to 80% of potassium nitrate reacts with 10% of sulphur and about 10 to 15% of charcoal. Gunpowder is used in the production of various explosives like grenades, bombs, and firecrackers.
Potassium nitrate is also commonly utilized as an amateur solid-rocket propellant, which uses the above-mentioned explosive and combustible properties of the compound.
Production of Cigarettes
Potassium nitrate is frequently used during the production and manufacturing of cigarettes all over the globe, as it greatly helps in making the tobacco burn evenly.
Other Uses
Potassium nitrate is also used as a flux agent in metalwork as well as in the manufacturing of glass products, and in metallurgical reactions.
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