Potassium Nitrate

Potassium nitrate  is a chemical compound with the  chemical formula  3. 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, from which it derives its name. Potassium nitrate is one of several nitrogen-containing compounds collectively referred to as  saltpeter or 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  (black powder).[6]  In processed meats, potassium nitrate reacts with  hemoglobin  and generates a pink color.