Potassium nitrate

Potassium nitrate (CAS 7757-79-1), also known as saltpeter and sold under E252 in food applications, is an inorganic salt used across agriculture, food processing, and industrial sectors.

Where is Potassium nitrate used?

• Food and meat processing: curing agent and preservative in cured meats, hard cheeses and charcuterie, controlling microbial growth and maintaining color stability
• Agriculture: water-soluble fertilizer delivering nitrogen and potassium directly to crops through fertigation and foliar spray systems
• Mining and explosives: oxidizing component in blasting agents and pyrotechnic formulations
• Pharmaceutical manufacturers use it in desensitizing toothpaste formulations and as an active ingredient in certain topical preparations.
• Used in metallurgy in heat transfer baths.
• A component of thermal energy storage compounds in solar power installations.

Formulation notes

• Mixtures with alkyl esters may explode due to the formation of alkyl nitrates.
• Incompatible with cellulose-based absorbents.

Typical specification

• Harmonised tariff code 28342100.
• Industrial applications may require technical or application-specific specifications.

Regulatory status

• Regulatory frameworks in many countries limit the distribution and sale of potassium nitrate, especially in quantities that could be misused.

Storage, packaging and handling

• Very slightly hygroscopic, absorbing only 0.03% water at 80% humidity over 50 days.

Frequently asked questions about Potassium nitrate

What are the industrial applications of potassium nitrate beyond agriculture and food?

It is used in the production of glass materials such as crystals, glass, and ceramics, where it helps improve the optical properties of the materials. It is also used as a corrosion inhibitor.

How does potassium nitrate function in glass manufacturing?

It is used for discoloration and refining of industrial crystal glasses and strengthening of glass products in the electrovacuum industry and flint glass manufacturing.

What is the typical dosage of potassium nitrate in toothpaste formulations?

When used in toothpaste, potassium nitrate makes up only 5% of the total content.

Technical content is compiled and updated by the SoleChem product team from public technical sources; the certificate of analysis (COA) governs product-specific specifications.