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Potassium nitrate is a chemical compound with the chemical formula KNO3. It is an ionic salt of potassium ions K and nitrate ions NO3, and is therefore an alkali metal nitrate. It occurs in nature as a mineral, niter. It is a source of nitrogen, and nitrogen was named after niter. Potassium nitrate is one of several nitrogen-containing compounds collectively referred to as saltpetre.
Major uses of potassium nitrate are in fertilizers, tree stump removal, rocket propellants and fireworks. It is one of the major constituents of gunpowder. In processed meats, potassium nitrate reacts with hemoglobin and myoglobin generating a red color.
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