Potassium Nitrate

Potassium Nitrate (KNO3) for use in science experiments and pyrotechnic creations.  

It is a natural solid source of nitrogen and is frequently called saltpeter or nitrate of potash.

The most common uses of potassium nitrate are in fireworks, fertilizers and rocket propellants. It is a very efficient oxidizer that makes a lilac flame when burning because of the presence of potassium. 

Potassium nitrate can be made by combining ammonium nitrate, obtainable from instant cold packs, and potassium hydroxide. During this reaction, toxic ammonia gas is produced.   It should not be done indoors. Alternatively,making potassium nitrate without creating ammonia-gas, is to combine ammonium nitrate and potassium chloride, (easily purchased as a sodium-free salt substitute).

Other uses of Potassium Nitrate:

• Along with sulfur and powdered charcoal, potassium nitrate is the third component (an oxidizer) of black powder.
• Because two of the macro nutrients for plants  are nitrogen and potassium, potassium nitrate makes a fantastic fertilizer.
• Potassium nitrate has been a common ingredient of salted meat since the Middle Ages, but its use as a preservative has been mostly stopped in favor of modern nitrate and nitrite compounds.
• Potassium nitrates use in food preparation has mostly been replaced by sodium nitrate and sodium nitrite. These are more reliable in preventing bacterial infection than KNO3.  Each of these gives cured salami and corned beef their pink coloring.
• Potassium nitrate makes up about 98% of tree stump remover compositions.  It accelerates the natural decomposition of the organic matter like tree stumps.
• As a solvent in the post-wash, it is commonly used in heat treating metals.
• It makes an excellent short-term rust inhibitor.