Potassium Nitrate
Potassium nitrate (also called saltpeter or salpeter) is a chemical compound with the chemical formula KNO3. It includes ionic compounds consisting of potassium K+ ions and nitrate ions NO−3
. It becomes one of the sources of nitrogen.
Potassium nitrate is widely used in fertilizers, removal of tree stumps, rocket propellants, and fireworks. It became the main ingredient in the manufacture of gunpowder (black powder).
In processed meat, potassium nitrate reacts with hemoglobin and myoglobin which then produces a pink color.