Potassium nitrate
Molar mass: 101.10 g/mol · Class: Ionic salt
Elements: potassium, nitrogen, oxygen
Structure
The solid is an ionic lattice of K+ ions and flat, triangular nitrate ions. It dissolves readily in water, and the solution feels cold because dissolving absorbs heat.
Properties
White crystalline solid, very soluble in water
Strong oxidizing agent when heated or mixed with fuels
Dissolving in water absorbs heat (endothermic)
Supplies nitrogen and potassium as fertilizer
Applications
Fertilizer for crops
Curing salt for meats
Instant cold packs
Safety note
Oxidizer: keep away from fuels, charcoal, and sulfur; mixtures can ignite or explode. This is not a home-experiment chemical. Store cool and dry, locked away from children.
Data source: IUPAC standard atomic weights 2021; molar mass computed from KNO3