POTASSIUM NITRITE
Potassium nitrite is an ionic salt of potassium ions K+ and nitrite ions NO2−, which forms a white or slightly yellow, hygroscopic crystalline powder that is soluble in water.
Potassium nitrite is a strong oxidizer and may accelerate the combustion of other materials, and may explode under prolonged exposure to heat.
Potassium nitrite is used for food preservation, especially in cured meats such as chorizo and cured bacon, giving the product a desirable pinkish-red color.
CAS Number: 7757-79-1
EC Number: 231-818-8
Chemical Formula: KNO3
Molar Mass: 101.10 g/mol
Synonyms: Potassium nitrite , 231-832-4 , 7758-09-0 , 794654G42L, Kaliumnitrit , MFCD00011408 , Nitrite de potassium , Nitrous acid potassium salt, Nitrous Acid, Potassium Salt, Nitrous acid, potassium salt, potassium;nitrite, UNII-794654G42L, MFCD00011408, 794654G42L, Caswell No. 698, CCRIS 3959, HSDB 1216, EINECS 231-832-4, UN1488, Potassium nitrite (1:1), EPA Pesticide Chemical Code 076203, Kaliumnitrit, Potassium nitrite (KNO2), DSSTox_CID_22320, DSSTox_RID_79993, K.NO2, DSSTox_GSID_42320, Potassium nitrite, ACS grade, CHEMBL3186418, DTXSID5042320, Potassium nitrite, p.a., 97%, Tox21_301322, 8792AF, Nitrous acid, potassium salt, 7757-79-1, Saltpeter, Nitre, Nitrate of potash, saltpetre, Nitric acid potassium salt, potassium;nitrate, Nitric acid, potassium salt, Kaliumnitrat, UNII-RU45X2JN0Z, KNO3, MFCD00011409, RU45X2JN0Z, Vicknite, CHEBI:63043, Kalii nitras, DSSTox_CID_9692, DSSTox_RID_78811, DSSTox_GSID_29692, Salt peter , CHEMBL1644029, Caswell No. 697, Kaliumnitrat , Potassium nitrite(DOT), CAS-7757-79-1, CCRIS 3667, HSDB 1227, EINECS 231-818-8, NSC 5763, UN1486, EPA Pesticide Chemical Code 076103, Kali nitricum, Potassium nitrite , AI3-51245, Potassium-nitrate, Sensodyne (TN), Nitric acid potassium salt (1:1), Potassium nitrite,(S), Potassium nitrite, 99%, Potassium nitrite (KNO3), EC 231-818-8, Potassium nitrite ACS grade, Potassium nitrite , INS NO.252, DTXSID4029692, Potassium nitrite, p.a., 99%, INS-252, Potassium nitrite, Puratronic(R), Tox21_201581, Tox21_303394, Potassium nitrite, AR, >=99.5%, Potassium nitrite, LR, >=99.5%, AKOS015902862, AKOS024418772, Potassium nitrite, cell culture tested, DB11090, Potassium nitrite, BioXtra, >=99.0%, NCGC00249235-01, NCGC00257274-01, NCGC00259130-01, BP-31027, E252, Potassium nitrite [UN1486] [Oxidizer], Potassium nitrite, ACS reagent, >=99.0%, Potassium nitrite, NIST(R) SRM(R) 193, E-252, FT-0698960, Potassium nitrite, BioUltra, >=99.5% (T), D02051, Potassium nitrite, 99.99% trace metals basis, Potassium nitrite, ReagentPlus(R), >=99.0%, Potassium nitrite, SAJ first grade, >=99.0%, Potassium nitrite, Trace metals grade 99.99%, Potassium nitrite, 99.999% trace metals basis, Potassium nitrite, JIS special grade, >=99.0%, Nitrate nitrogen standard solution, 100 ppm NO3-, Potassium nitrite, >= 99.995 % metals basis, Q177836, Potassium nitrite, anhydrous, 99.99% trace metals basis, Nitrogen and oxygen isotopes in nitrate, NIST(R) RM 8568, Potassium standard for AAS, ready-to-use, in nitric acid, Potassium standard for ICP, for ICP, ready-to-use, in nitric acid, USGS32 (nitrogen and oxygen isotopes in nitrate), NIST RM 8558, Nitrate ion standard solution, 0.01 M NO3-, for ion-selective electrodes, Potassium nitrite, United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Reference Standard, Potassium nitrite, BioReagent, suitable for cell culture, suitable for plant cell culture, Potassium nitrite, puriss. p.a., ACS reagent, reag. ISO, reag. Ph. Eur., >=99%, Mettler-Toledo Calibration substance ME 51143095, Potassium nitrite, traceable to primary standards (LGC), Potassium nitrite, puriss., meets analytical specification of Ph??Eur, BP, USP, FCC, E252, 99.0-100.5%
Potassium nitrite (distinct from potassium nitrate) is the inorganic compound with the chemical formula KNO2.
Potassium nitrite is an ionic salt of potassium ions K+ and nitrite ions NO2−, which forms a white or slightly yellow, hygroscopic crystalline powder that is soluble in water.
Potassium Nitrite is a white to yellowish, easily dissolvable granule or rod-shaped material.
Potassium nitrite is a strong oxidizer and may accelerate the combustion of other materials.
Like other nitrite salts such as sodium nitrite, potassium nitrite is toxic if swallowed, and laboratory tests suggest that it may be mutagenic or teratogenic.
Gloves and safety glasses are usually used when handling potassium nitrite.
Potassium nitrite appears as a yellowish white crystalline solid.
Noncombustible but accelerates the burning of all combustible material.
If large quantities of Potassium nitrite are involved in fire or if the combustible material is finely divided, an explosion may result.
Potassium nitrite may explode under prolonged exposure to heat.
Potassium nitrite is also known as Nitrous acid, potassium salt or as formula KNO2.
Potassium nitrite is a white/yellowish crystalline.
As a result of its oxidizing properties, potassium nitrite can be used as an oxidizer in a variety of industries.
Examples are corrosion inhibitor, reducing agent Benfield process (fertilizer production) and in glass frit for enamel glazing.
Potassium nitrite is sold as a moist crystal to help delay the onset of caking.
Some downward migration of moisture can occur in drums during storage.
Potassium nitrite is A yellowish white crystalline solid.
Potassium nitrite is Noncombustible but accelerates the burning of all combustible material.
If large quantities of Potassium nitrite are involved in fire or if the combustible material is finely divided, an explosion may result.
Potassium nitrite May explode under prolonged exposure to heat.
Potassium nitrite belongs to the class of inorganic compounds known as alkali metal nitrites.
These are inorganic compounds in which the largest oxoanion is nitrite, and in which the heaviest atom not in an oxoanion is an alkali metal.
Potassium nitrite is a drug.
Potassium nitrite represented by the chemical formula KNO2 is a yellowish white crystalline and deliquescent powder that is soluble in water, alcohol and liquid ammonia.
Potassium nitrite is a potassium salt and an ionic compound.
Potassium nitrite is a strong oxidizer and incompatible with strong acids, strong reducing agents, cyanides, ammonium salts and combustible materials.
Potassium nitrite is a yellowish white crystalline solid or a compound formed of potassium and nitrogen, noncombustible and accelerates the burning of all combustible materials.
Potassium nitrite is produced by combining ammonium nitrate and potassium chloride.
Potassium nitrite can also be manufactured by a neutralized mixture of nitric acid and potassium hydroxide.
Potassium nitrite is used for a number of purposes like food preservation especially in cured meats such as chorizo and cured bacon.
Potassium nitrite also gives the product a desirable pinkish-red color.
The use of Potassium nitrite as a food preservative was approved by U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Potassium nitrite has a large number of end uses in the food and beverage industry, and is expected to experience good growth in the upcoming years.
Potassium nitrite is the inorganic compound with the chemical formula KNO2.
Potassium nitrite is an ionic salt of potassium ions K+ and nitrite ions NO2−, which forms a white or slightly yellow, hygroscopic crystalline powder that is soluble in water.
Potassium nitrite is a strong oxidizer and may accelerate the combustion of other materials.
Potassium nitrite is toxic if swallowed, and laboratory tests suggest that it may be mutagenic or teratogenic.
Potassium nitrite is present at trace levels in soil, natural waters, plant and animal tissues, and fertilizer.
Potassium nitrite can be obtained by the reduction of potassium nitrate.
The production of Potassium nitrite by absorption of nitrogen oxides in potassium hydroxide or potassium carbonate is not employed on a large scale because of the high price of these alkalies.
Potassium nitrite is highly soluble in water makes the solid difficult to recover.
Potassium nitrite appears as a yellowish white crystalline solid.
Potassium nitrite is noncombustible but accelerates the burning of all combustible material.
Potassium nitrite is may exploded under prolonged exposure to heat.
Potassium nitrite is used to make other chemicals and in chemical analysis.
Potassium nitrite is a strong oxidizer and used in laboratories to test for amino acids and to accelerate the combustion of other materials.
Potassium nitrite is used in experiments as a source of nitrites, which was observed to decrease blood pressure and lead to hypertrophy.
Potassium nitrites are commonly used in curing mixtures to develop and fix the colour of meat, to inhibit microbial growth and/or to develop characteristic flavours.
Potassium nitrite is the inorganic compound with the chemical formula KNO2.
Potassium nitrite reacts at an extremely slow rate with a liquid ammonia solution of potassium amide at room temperatures, and in the presence of ferric oxide or cobaltic oxide, to form nitrogen and potassium hydroxide.
Potassium nitrite is a white or slightly yellowish hygroscopic solid, very soluble in water.
Potassium nitrite is insoluble in most organic solvents, although it shows some solubility in low-chain alcohols, which increases with temperature.
Potassium nitrite is sold by chemical suppliers.
A quick and clean route to Potassium nitrite is by bubbling an excess of nitric oxide through a solution of potassium hydroxide, with the NO being obtained by dissolving copper metal in nitric acid.
Potassium nitrite can be oxidized to the less harmful potassium nitrate by heating it in air until it melts but kept below 500 °C, then allowed to oxidize to potassium nitrate.
The resulting Potassium nitrite can then be used as fertilizer, provided it's not contaminated with nitrite or heavy metals.
Potassium nitrite appears as a yellowish white crystalline solid.
Potassium nitrite is the inorganic compound with the chemical formula KNO2.
Potassium nitrite is an ionic salt of potassium ions K+ and nitrite ions NO2−, which forms a white or slightly yellow, hygroscopic crystalline powder that is soluble in water.
Potassium nitrite is a chemical compound of potassium and nitrite ions.
Potassium nitrite is used as a food preservative and in the manufacturing of heat transfer salts.
Potassium nitrite is the nitrite salt of potassium, appearing as a yellowish white crystalline solid.
As a strong oxidizer, Potassium nitrite may promote combustion and even explosion of other materials.
In medical field, Potassium nitrite is used for the treatment of angina pectoris.
Potassium nitrite is also applied during the manufacturing of heat transfer salts.
Potassium nitrite is also a kind of food additive as a preservative.
Potassium nitrite can also be used as a paint and coating additive, analytic agents, corrosion inhibitors and anti-scaling agent.
In chemical industry, Potassium nitrite has the following applications: Manufacture Of Pigment Yellow 40, cinitapride and many other drugs, butadiene distillation, production of D-saccharic acid, dissolution of tungston, recovery of bromine and separation of cobalt from cobalt nickel solutions.
Potassium nitrite is a color fixative in meats which exists as white or yellowish granules or cylindrical sticks.
Potassium nitrite is very soluble in water. see nitrite.
Potassium nitrite isprepared by the reduction of potassium nitrate.
Potassium nitrite reacts with cold dilute mineral acids to give nitrous acid and is also able to behave as a reducing agent (if oxidized to the nitrate)or as an oxidizing agent (if reducedto nitrogen).
Potassium nitrite is used inorganic synthesis because of its part in diazotization, and in detecting thepresence of the amino groups in organic compounds.
Potassium nitrite is yellowish-white solid, soluble, for med (1) by reaction of nitric oxide plus nitrogen tetroxide and potassium carbonate or hydroxide, and then evaporating, (2) by heating potassium nitrate and lead to a high temperature and then extracting the soluble portion (lead monoxide insoluble) with H2O, and evaporating.
Potassium nitrite is an oxidizing agent.
The resulting heat may ignite surrounding combustible material.
Potassium nitrite reacts with acids to form toxic nitrogen dioxide gas.
Potassium nitrite is a chemical compound with the chemical formula KNO3.
Potassium nitrite is also known as Indian saltpetre (large deposits of which were historically mined in India).
Potassium nitrite is an ionic salt of potassium ions K+ and nitrate ions NO3−, and is therefore an alkali metal nitrate.
Potassium nitrite occurs in nature as a mineral, niter.
Potassium nitrite is a source of nitrogen, and nitrogen was named after niter.
Potassium nitrite is one of several nitrogen-containing compounds collectively referred to as saltpetre.
Major uses of Potassium nitrite are in fertilizers, tree stump removal, rocket propellants and fireworks.
Potassium nitrite is one of the major constituents of gunpowder (black powder).
In processed meats, Potassium nitrite reacts with hemoglobin and myoglobin generating a red color.
Potassium nitrite appears as a white to dirty gray crystalline solid.
Potassium nitrite is used in solid propellants, explosives, fertilizers.
Potassium nitrite is a crystalline salt, KNO3; a strong oxidizer used especially in making gunpowder, as a fertilizer, and in medicine.
Potassium nitrite is the inorganic nitrate salt of potassium.
Potassium nitrite has a role as a fertilizer.
Potassium nitrite is a potassium salt and an inorganic nitrate salt.
Applications of Potassium Nitrite:
Potassium nitrite is used in the manufacturing of heat transfer salts.
Potassium nitrite is a preservative similar to sodium nitrite and is approved for usage in the EU, USA, Australia and New Zealand (where it is listed under its INS number 249).
As a colour fixative in fish products and in pickling and curing meat, sometimes in combination with sodium nitrite and with potassium and sodium nitrates.
Potassium nitrite is used in chemical analysis, as a food additive, in medications and in fertilizers.
Also, potassium nitrite is used to make other chemicals and in chemical analysis.
Potassium nitrite is used in organic synthesis because of its part in diazotization, and in detecting the presence of the amino groups in organic compounds.
Potassium nitrite is used as oxidizing agent and corrosion inhibitor in washing with hot potash for removal of Co2 from gas streams like synthesis gas.
Potassium nitrite is more soluble than sodium nitrite and does not form sparingly soluble bicarbonate in carbondioxide rich solutions.
In addition, potassium nitrite is used To make other chemicals, heat transfer salts.
Potassium nitrite is used In chemical analysis.
As a food additive (preservative), Potassium Nitrite is used in fertilizers.
Potassium nitrite is used as an antidote to cyanide poisoning.
As a vasodilator potassium nitrite is used in the medical field.
Potassium nitrite is used as an anti-scaling agent and corrosion inhibitor .
Potassium nitrite is used as a preservative in food and helps in the cleansing process by restricting the development of a harmful bacteria called botulism bacteria.
Potassium nitrite is used as a food preservative, paint and coating additives and analytical reagent.
Potassium nitrite is used as a strong oxidizing agent as well as involved in the preparation of heat transfer salts.
Potassium nitrite is employed as corrosion inhibitors and anti-scaling agents.
Uses of Potassium Nitrite:
Interest in a medical role for Potassium nitrite was first aroused because of the spectacular success of organic nitrites and related compounds in the treatment of angina pectoris.
Potassium nitrite is compared the biological action of Potassium nitrite with that of amyl and ethyl nitrites and concluded that the similarity of action depends on the conversion of organic nitrites to nitrous acid.
Solutions of Potassium nitrite have been used successfully to generate and to induce vasorelaxation in isolated blood vessel studies, and the same reaction mechanism has been proposed to explain the biological action of nitrite.
Potassium nitrite is used in the manufacturing of heat transfer salts.
Potassium nitrite is a preservative similar to sodium nitrite and is approved for usage in the EU.
Potassium nitrite is a white to yellowish, easily dissolvable granule or rod-shaped material.
Potassium nitrite is used in chemical analysis, as a food additive, in medications and in fertilizers.
Potassium nitrite is a white/yellowish crystalline.
As a result of Potassium nitrites oxidizing properties, Potassium nitrite can be used as an oxidizer in a variety of industries.
Examples are corrosion inhibitor, reducing agent Benfield process (fertilizer production) and in glass frit for enamel glazing.
Potassium nitrite is sold as a moist crystal to help delay the onset of caking.
Potassium nitrite is also known as Nitrous acid, potassium salt or as formula KNO2.
Potassium nitrite is used as a food preservative, paint and coating additives and analytical reagent.
Potassium nitrite is used as a strong oxidizing agent as well as involved in the preparation of heat transfer salts.
In addition, Potassium nitrite is employed as corrosion inhibitors and anti-scaling agents.
Potassium nitrite is a yellowish-white crystalline solid.
When potassium ions react with nitrate ions potassium nitrate is formed.
Potassium nitrate is a hygroscopic crystalline inorganic compound and is toxic in nature
Potassium nitrite has a heat capacity of 107.4 J/mol K and magnetic susceptibility of −23.3·10−6 cm3/mol.
The structural formula of Potassium nitrite is as shown below in the diagram.
Potassium nitrite is used as a food preservative, paint and coating additives and analytical reagent.
Potassium nitrite is used as a strong oxidizing agent as well as involved in the preparation of heat transfer salts.
Potassium nitrite is employed as corrosion inhibitors and anti-scaling agents.
Potassium nitrite is used as a reagent.
Potassium nitrite is used as oxidizing agent and corrosion inhibitor in washing with hot potash for removal of Co2 from gas streams like synthesis gas.
Potassium nitrite is more soluble than sodium nitrite and does not form sparingly soluble bicarbonate in carbondioxide rich solutions.
Potassium nitrite is used in the medical field.
Potassium nitrite is used in food additives, preservatives.
Medical Uses:
Interest in a medical role for inorganic nitrite was first aroused because of the spectacular success of organic nitrites and related compounds in the treatment of angina pectoris.
While working with Butter at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary in the 1860s, Brunton noted that the pain of angina could be lessened by venesection and wrongly concluded that the pain must be due to elevated blood pressure. As a treatment for angina, the reduction of circulating blood by venesection was inconvenient.
Therefore, he decided to try the effect on a patient of inhaling amyl nitrite, a recently synthesized compound and one that his colleague had shown lowered blood pressure in animals.
Pain associated with an anginal attack disappeared rapidly, and the effect lasted for several minutes, generally long enough for the patient to recover by resting.
For a time, amyl nitrite was the favored treatment for angina, but due to its volatility, Potassium nitrite was replaced by chemically related compounds that had the same effect.
The effect of potassium nitrite on the nervous system, brain, spinal cord, pulse, arterial blood pressure, and respiration of healthy human volunteers was noted, as was the variability between individuals.
The most significant observation was that even a small dose of <0.5 grains (≈30 mg) given by mouth caused, at first, an increase in arterial blood pressure, followed by a moderate decrease. With larger doses, pronounced hypotension ensued. They also noted that potassium nitrite, however administered, had a profound effect on the appearance and oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.
They compared the biological action of potassium nitrite with that of amyl and ethyl nitrites and concluded that the similarity of action depends on the conversion of organic nitrites to nitrous acid.
Solutions of acidified nitrite have been used successfully to generate NO and to induce vasorelaxation in isolated blood vessel studies, and the same reaction mechanism has been proposed to explain the biological action of nitrite.
Industrial Uses:
Potassium nitrite is also called niter and saltpeter,although these usually refer to the native mineral.
A substance of the composition KNO3, Potassium nitrite is used in explosives, for bluing steel, and infertilizers.
A mixture of Potassium nitrite and sodium nitrate is used for steel-tempering baths.
The mixture melts at 250°C.
Potassium nitriteis made by the action of potassium chloride onsodium nitrate.
Potassium nitrite occurs in colorless prismaticcrystals, or as a crystalline white powder.
Potassium nitrite hasa sharp saline taste and is soluble in water.
The specific gravity is 2.1 and the melting point is337°C.
Potassium nitrite contains a large percentage of oxygen, which is readily given up andis well adapted for pyrotechnic compounds.
Potassium nitrite gives a beautiful violet flame in burning.
Potassium nitrite isused in flares and in signal rockets.
Most enamels contain some oxidizing agentin the form of potassium or sodium nitrate.
Only a small amount of nitrate is necessary; 2 to 4% is sufficient to maintain oxidizing conditionsin most smelting operations.
In glazes Potassium nitrite is sometimes used as a flux inplace of potassium oxide, but, owing to its costand solubility, very little of Potassium nitrite is contained inglaze.
Where conditions prevent the use of sufficientpotash feldspar, potassium oxide is introducedinto the mix, usually in the form of thenitrate in a frit.
Potassium nitrite is a solid of the compositionKNO2 used as a rust inhibitor, for theregeneration of heat-transfer salts, and for themanufacture of dyes.
Nitric acid production:
Historically, nitric acid was produced by combining sulfuric acid with nitrates such as saltpeter.
In modern times this is reversed: nitrates are produced from nitric acid produced via the Ostwald process.
Oxidizer:
The most famous use of Potassium nitrite is probably as the oxidizer in blackpowder.
From the most ancient times until the late 1880s, blackpowder provided the explosive power for all the world's firearms.
After that time, small arms and large artillery increasingly began to depend on cordite, a smokeless powder.
Blackpowder remains in use today in black powder rocket motors, but also in combination with other fuels like sugars in "rocket candy" (a popular amateur rocket fuel).
Potassium nitrite is also used in fireworks such as smoke bombs.
Potassium nitrite is also added to cigarettes to maintain an even burn of the tobacco and is used to ensure complete combustion of paper cartridges for cap and ball revolvers.
Potassium nitrite can also be heated to several hundred degrees to be used for niter bluing, which is less durable than other forms of protective oxidation, but allows for specific and often beautiful coloration of steel parts, such as screws, pins, and other small parts of firearms.
Meat processing:
Potassium nitrite has been a common ingredient of salted meat since antiquity or the Middle Ages.
The widespread adoption of nitrate use is more recent and is linked to the development of large-scale meat processing.
The use of Potassium nitrite has been mostly discontinued because of slow and inconsistent results compared to sodium nitrite compounds such as "Prague powder" or pink "curing salt".
Potassium nitrite is still used in some food applications, such as salami, dry-cured ham, charcuterie, and (in some countries) in the brine used to make corned beef (sometimes together with sodium nitrite).
When used as a food additive in the European Union, the compound is referred to as E252.
Potassium nitrite is also approved for use as a food additive in the United States and Australia and New Zealand (where it is listed under its INS number 252).
Food preparation:
In West African cuisine, Potassium nitrite (saltpetre) is widely used as a thickening agent in soups and stews such as okra soup and isi ewu.
Potassium nitrite is also used to soften food and reduce cooking time when boiling beans and tough meat.
Saltpetre is also an essential ingredient in making special porridges, such as kunun kanwa literally translated from the Hausa language as 'saltpetre porridge'.
In the Shetland Islands (UK) Potassium nitrite is used in the curing of mutton to make reestit mutton, a local delicacy.
Fertilizer:
Potassium nitrite is used in fertilizers as a source of nitrogen and potassium two of the macronutrients for plants.
When used by itself, Potassium nitrite has an NPK rating of 13-0-44.
Pharmacology:
Potassium nitrite is used in some toothpastes for sensitive teeth.
Recently, the use of Potassium nitrite in toothpastes for treating sensitive teeth has increased.
Potassium nitrite is used historically to treat asthma.
Potassium nitrite is used in some toothpastes to relieve asthma symptoms.
Potassium nitrite is used in Thailand as main ingredient in kidney tablets to relieve the symptoms of cystitis, pyelitis and urethritis.
Combats high blood pressure and was once used as a hypotensive.
Agricultural Uses:
Growers value fertilizing with KNO₃ especially in conditions where a highly soluble, chloride-free nutrient source is needed.
In such soils, all of the N is immediately available for plant uptake as nitrate, requiring no additional microbial action and soil transformation.
Growers of high-value vegetable and orchard crops sometime prefer to use a nitrate-based source of nutrition in an effort to boost yield and quality.
Potassium nitrite contains a relatively high proportion of K, with an N to K ratio of approximately one to three.
Many crops have high K demands and can remove as much or more K than N at harvest.
Applications of KNO₃ to the soil are made before the growing season or as a supplement during the growing season.
A diluted solution is sometimes sprayed on plant foliage to stimulate physiological processes or to overcome nutrient deficiencies.
Foliar application of K during fruit development advantages some crops, since this growth stage often coincides with high K demands during the time of declining root activity and nutrient uptake.
Potassium nitrite’s also commonly used for greenhouse plant production and hydroponic culture.
Both N and K are required by plants to support harvest quality, protein formation, disease resistance and water-use efficiency.
Therefore, to support healthy growth, farmers often apply KNO₃ to soil or through the irrigation system during the growing season.
Potassium nitrite accounts for only a small portion of the global K fertilizer market.
Potassium nitrite’s primarily used where its unique composition and properties can provide specific benefits to growers.
Further, Potassium nitrite’s easy to handle and apply, and is compatible with many other fertilizers, including specialty fertilizers for many high-value specialty crops, as well as those used on grain and fiber crops.
The relatively high solubility of KNO₃ under warm conditions allows for a more concentrated solution than for other common K fertilizers.
However, farmers must carefully manage the water to keep the nitrate from moving below the root zone.
Non-agricultural Uses:
Potassium nitrite has long been used for fireworks and gunpowder.
Potassium nitrite’s now more commonly added to food to maintain the quality of meat and cheese.
Specialty toothpastes often contain KNO3 to alleviate tooth sensitivity.
A mixture of KNO3 and sodium nitrate (NaNO3) is used for storing heat in solar energy installations.
Uses in Ceramic:
Potassium nitrite is used in the production of clay.
Potassium nitrite is hard after cooking at high temperatures.
If Potassium nitrite passes through other stages, a non-deformed structure is used as an additive to the ceramic which takes the form.
Uses in Pine:
Potassium nitrite is used as an additive to the amorphous structure of glass in this sector.
Chemical Industry:
Potassium nitrite is used in a wide variety of applications including glass manufacturing, explosives for mining and civil works, metal treatment and fireworks.
Food Industry:
Potassium nitrite is a well-known ingredient in the food industry, as a mean to cure and preserve meats against microbial agents and to maintain the desirable color of meats and hard cheeses.
Power Plants:
Potassium nitrite is a well-known product to de-sensitize sore teeth.
Potassium nitrite is therefore, a common ingredient in sophisticated toothpastes focusing on the treatment of sensitive teeth.
Power Plants:
Mixtures of Potassium nitrite and sodium nitrate salts are increasingly used as means to significantly enhance the efficiency of Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) plants.
Potassium nitrite is very effective in storing thermal energy for up to several days.
This distinctive “rechargeable battery” feature enables nitrate molten-salt CSP plants to continue producing electricity steadily as needed almost unaffected by solar energy variations over a 24-hour period.
Benefits of Potassium Nitrite:
Since Potassium nitrite fertilizer does not contain sodium and chlorine, it can be used safely on all plants.
Potassium nitrite can be used with all kinds of irrigation systems in vegetables.
Potassium nitrite ensures smooth, abundant and high quality product yield.
Potassium nitrite increases the fruit quantity and quality in citrus fruits.
Potassium nitrite also prevents fruit drop.
Potassium nitrite increases the flowering of hard stone fruits, increases the amount of fruit and fruit quality.
Potassium nitrite is used safely in all flowers.
Potassium nitrite also directly affects flower quality with elements such as color and smoothness.
Potassium nitrite increases the product and quality given in the vineyards.
Other Benefits:
High purity and low salt index.
High solubility.
Low chlorine level.
Non detectable Perchlorates level. (virtually free )
Slightly acidic pH.
High N: K ratio and readily available nitrate nitrogen.
Free flowing.
Low moisture content.
Properties of Potassium Nitrite:
Potassium nitrite has an orthorhombic crystal structure at room temperature, which transforms to a trigonal system at 129 °C (264 °F).
Potassium nitrite is moderately soluble in water, but its solubility increases with temperature.
The aqueous solution is almost neutral, exhibiting pH 6.2 at 14 °C (57 °F) for a 10% solution of commercial powder.
Potassium nitrite is not very hygroscopic, absorbing about 0.03% water in 80% relative humidity over 50 days.
Potassium nitrite is insoluble in alcohol and is not poisonous.
Potassium nitrite can react explosively with reducing agents, but it is not explosive on its own.
Production of Potassium Nitrite:
Potassium nitrite can be obtained by the reduction of potassium nitrate.
The production of potassium nitrite by absorption of nitrogen oxides in potassium hydroxide or potassium carbonate is not employed on a large scale because of the high price of these alkalies.
Furthermore, the fact that potassium nitrite is highly soluble in water makes the solid difficult to recover.
Potassium nitrite is produced in a nitrary.
The process involved burial of excrements in a field beside the nitraries, watering them and waiting until leaching allowed saltpeter to come to the ground surface by efflorescence.
Operators then gathered the resulting powder and transported Potassium nitrite to be concentrated by ebullition in the boiler plant.
Potassium nitrite can be made by combining ammonium nitrate and potassium hydroxide.
NH4NO3 (aq) + KOH (aq) → NH3 (g) + KNO3 (aq) + H2O (l)
An alternative way of producing Potassium nitrite without a by-product of ammonia is to combine ammonium nitrate, found in instant ice packs, and potassium chloride, easily obtained as a sodium-free salt substitute.
NH4NO3 (aq) + KCl (aq) → NH4Cl (aq) + KNO3 (aq)
Potassium nitrite can also be produced by neutralizing nitric acid with potassium hydroxide.
This reaction is highly exothermic.
KOH (aq) + HNO3 → KNO3 (aq) + H2O (l)
On industrial scale Potassium nitrite is prepared by the double displacement reaction between sodium nitrate and potassium chloride.
NaNO3 (aq) + KCl (aq) → NaCl (aq) + KNO3 (aq)
Reactions of Potassium Nitrite:
The mixing of cyanamide and KNO2 produces changes from white solids to yellow liquid and then to orange solid, forming cyanogen and ammonia gases.
No external energy is used and the reactions are carried out with a small amount of O2.
Potassium nitrite forms potassium nitrate when heated in the presence of oxygen from 550 °C to 790 °C.
The rate of reaction increases with temperature, but the extent of reaction decreases. At 550 °C and 600 °C the reaction is continuous and eventually goes to completion.
From 650 °C to 750 °C, as the case of decomposition of potassium nitrate is, the system attains equilibrium.
At 790 °C, a rapid decrease in volume is first observed, followed by a period of 15 minutes during which no volume changes occur.
This is then followed by an increase in volume due primarily to the evolution of nitrogen, which is attributed to the decomposition of potassium nitrite.
Potassium nitrite reacts at an extremely slow rate with a liquid ammonia solution of potassium amide at room temperatures, and in the presence of ferric oxide or cobaltic oxide, to form nitrogen and potassium hydroxide.
Synthesis of Potassium Nitrite:
Potassium nitrite is generally a salt.
The neutralization of acid can prepare Potassium nitrite.
When the potassium hydroxide neutralizes, Potassium nitrite forms nitric acid Potassium nitrite.
The chemical reaction for the same can be given as follows:
KOH + HNO3 → KNO3 + H2O
Always, neutralizing the nitric acid produces “nitrate” salts.
At the same time, other acids produce other types of salts.
Potassium nitrite also consists of potassium (which is a light, soft, and silver metal), nitrogen (a colorless and odorless gas), and oxygen.
Potassium nitrite is an alkali metal nitrate since it is an ionic salt of K+ ions, potassium ions, and nitrate ions (NO3−).
Potassium nitrite is solid white or, at times, white to dirty grey in color.
Potassium nitrite is soluble in hot water, and it releases oxygen when decomposed or heated.
Potassium nitrite is given as a strong oxidizing agent and can be widely used in the removal of fireworks, stump, fertilizers, and more.
Potassium nitrite is a primary constituent of food preservation and black powder techniques.
Discovery of Potassium Nitrite:
Nitrite is present at trace levels in soil, natural waters, plant and animal tissues, and fertilizer.
The pure form of nitrite was first made by the Swedish chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele working in the laboratory of his pharmacy in the market town of Köping.
He heated potassium nitrate at red heat for half an hour and obtained what he recognized as a new “salt.”
The two compounds (potassium nitrate and nitrite) were characterized by Péligot and the reaction was established as:
2KNO3 --> 2KNO2 + O2
Handling and Storage of Potassium Nitrite:
Handling:
Use personal protective equipment as required.
Ensure good ventilation/exhaustion at the workplace.
Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing.
Do not breathe dust or fumes.
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practices.
Storage:
Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from incompatible substances such as acids, reducing agents, and combustible materials.
Keep container tightly closed when not in use.
Protect from moisture.
Stability and Reactivity of Potassium Nitrite:
Stability:
Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Decomposes on heating, emitting toxic nitrogen oxides.
Reactivity:
Reacts with acids to produce toxic nitrogen dioxide gas.
May react violently with reducing agents.
Avoid contact with organic materials and combustible substances as Potassium nitrite may cause fire.
Incompatible Materials:
Strong acids, reducing agents, organic materials, and flammable substances.
First Aid Measures of Potassium Nitrite:
Inhalation:
Move the exposed person to fresh air.
If breathing is difficult, administer oxygen.
If symptoms persist, seek medical attention.
Skin Contact:
Wash off immediately with plenty of water.
Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.
Seek medical attention if irritation develops or persists.
Eye Contact:
Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes.
Seek medical attention if irritation occurs.
Ingestion:
Do not induce vomiting.
Rinse mouth with water.
Seek medical attention immediately.
Fire Fighting Measures of Potassium Nitrite:
Suitable Extinguishing Media:
Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide.
Avoid using dry chemical fire extinguishers containing ammonium compounds.
Specific Hazards:
Non-combustible, but enhances the combustion of other substances.
Decomposes under fire conditions to release toxic fumes of nitrogen oxides.
Protective Equipment:
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and full protective gear when fighting fires involving this material.
Accidental Release Measures of Potassium Nitrite:
Personal Precautions:
Evacuate personnel to safe areas.
Ensure adequate ventilation.
Use personal protective equipment.
Environmental Precautions:
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let the product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Methods for Cleaning Up:
Sweep up and shovel into suitable containers for disposal.
Avoid generating dust.
Clean up residue with water.
Exposure Controls/Personal Protective Equipment of Potassium Nitrite:
Exposure Controls:
Provide sufficient ventilation, especially in confined areas.
Use local exhaust ventilation to minimize dust generation.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
Respiratory Protection:
Use appropriate respiratory protection if exposure limits are exceeded or if irritation or other symptoms are experienced.
Skin Protection:
Wear protective gloves and protective clothing.
Eye Protection:
Use safety glasses with side shields or goggles.
Hygiene Measures:
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practices.
Wash hands before breaks and at the end of the workday.
Identifiers of Potassium Nitrite:
CAS number: 7757-79-1
EC number: 231-818-8
Grade: ISO,Reag. Ph Eur
Hill Formula: KNO₃
Chemical formula: KNO₃
Molar Mass: 101.10 g/mol
HS Code: 2834 21 00
Quality Level: MQ300
Linear Formula: KNO3
MDL Number: MFCD00011409
EC No.: 231-818-8
InchI Identifier: InChI=1S/K.NO3/c;2-1(3)4/q+1;-1
InchI Key: FGIUAXJPYTZDNR-UHFFFAOYSA-N
CAS Number: 7758-09-0
EC Number: 231-832-4
Molecular Formula: Kno2
Molecular Weight: 85.104
Properties of Potassium Nitrite:
Chemical formula: KNO2
Molar mass: 85.10379 g/mol
Appearance: white or slight yellow solid
Density: 1.914986 g/cm3
Melting point: 440.02 °C (824.04 °F; 713.17 K) (decomposes)
Boiling point: 537 °C (999 °F; 810 K) (explodes)
Solubility in water: 281 g/100 mL (0 °C)
Solubility: soluble in alcohol, ammonia
Magnetic susceptibility (χ): −23.3·10−6 cm3/mol
Appearance: Powder
Physical State: Solid
Solubility: Soluble in water (290 mg/ml at 20° C).
Storage: Store at room temperature
Melting Point: 350° C (lit.)(dec.)
Density: 1.92 g/cm3 at 20° C
pH value: 6.65 (H₂O, 27 °C)
Bulk density: 980 kg/m3
Melting Point: 350°C (decomposition)
pH: 7.0 to 10.0
UN Number: UN1488
Merck Index: 14,7649
Formula Weight: 85.11
Percent Purity: 97%
Odor: Odorless
Sensitivity: Hygroscopic
Specifications of Potassium Nitrite:
Assay (alkalimetric): ≥ 99.0 %
pH-value (5 % water): 5.0 - 7.5
Chloride (Cl): ≤ 0.001 %
Iodate (IO₃): ≤ 0.0005 %
Nitrite (NO₂): ≤ 0.001 %
Phosphate (PO₄): ≤ 0.0005 %
Sulfate (SO₄): ≤ 0.003 %
Heavy metals (as Pb): ≤ 0.0005 %
Ca (Calcium): ≤ 0.001 %
Cu (Copper): ≤ 0.0001 %
Fe (Iron): ≤ 0.0003 %
Names of Potassium Nitrite:
IUPAC Name:
arsenic
Kaliumnitrat
Nitrato di Potassio E252
Nitric acid potassium salt , Potassium nitrite
poassium nitrate
Potasio Nitrato
potassimu nitrate
potassium nitratde
Potassium nitrite
Potassium nitrite
Potassium nitrite
Potassium nitrite
Potassium nitrite
Potassium nitrite
Potassium nitrite
Potassium nitrite
potassium;nitrate
Trade Names:
Amonio sulfat
K-Solar
Kalii nitras
Kalisalpeter
Kaliumnitrat
Multi-K
Multi-K 13.2-0-46
Multi-K 13.5-0-46.2
Multi-K 13.8-0-46.5
Multi-K Prills
Multi-K Special
Niter
Nitrate of potash
Nitrate of Potassium
Nitric acid potassium salt
nitric acid, potassium salt
NOP
PN-TG
PN-TG-Prills
Potassium nitrite
Potassium nitrite
Potassium nitrite
Potassium nitrite monohydrate
Salt peter
Saltpeter
Saltpetre
