Potassium Nitrate

KNO₃

IUPAC: Potassium nitrate

CAS: 7757-79-1

Overview

Potassium nitrate (saltpeter) is a key component of gunpowder and an important fertilizer. It provides both potassium and nitrogen to plants.

Composition

Element Symbol Atoms Atomic Mass
Nitrogen N 1 14.0070
Oxygen O 3 15.9990
Potassium K 1 39.0980

Elemental Composition

N
Nitrogen ×1
13.9%
O
Oxygen ×3
47.5%
K
Potassium ×1
38.7%

Uses

  • • Gunpowder
  • • Fertilizer
  • • Food preservation
  • • Fireworks oxidizer

Fun Facts

  • ✦ Gunpowder is roughly 75% KNO₃, 15% charcoal, and 10% sulfur

Safety

  • ⚠ Oxidizer
  • ⚠ Can intensify fires

Structure

SMILES

[N+](=O)([O-])[O-].[K+]

Properties

Type
salt
State
solid
Molar Mass
101.10 g/mol
Density
2.1100 g/cm³
Melting Point
334.0 °C
Boiling Point
400.0 °C
Solubility
316 g/L at 20°C

Molecular Descriptors

Exact Mass
100.9515
TPSA
62.9 Ų
H-Bond Donors
0
H-Bond Acceptors
3
Rotatable Bonds
0
Heavy Atoms
5
Complexity
18.0

Related Compounds

Ammonium Bicarbonate

NH₄HCO₃

Ammonium Chloride

NH₄Cl

Ammonium Sulfate

(NH₄)₂SO₄

Barium Carbonate

BaCO₃

Barium Chloride

BaCl₂

Barium Sulfate

BaSO₄

Cadmium Sulfide

CdS

Calcium Acetate

Ca(C₂H₃O₂)₂

Calcium Carbonate

CaCO₃

Calcium Citrate

Ca₃(C₆H₅O₇)₂

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Potassium Nitrate?
Potassium Nitrate (KNO₃) is a salt compound with the IUPAC name Potassium nitrate.
What is the molecular weight of Potassium Nitrate?
Potassium Nitrate has a molar mass of 101.1 g/mol.
What state is Potassium Nitrate at room temperature?
Potassium Nitrate is a solid at room temperature.
Is Potassium Nitrate organic or inorganic?
Potassium Nitrate is classified as an inorganic compound.
What elements make up Potassium Nitrate?
Potassium Nitrate (KNO₃) is composed of Nitrogen (N), Oxygen (O), Potassium (K).