Potassium Nitrite

Brief Overview

Potassium nitrite is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula KNO₂. It is an ionic salt of potassium ions K⁺ and nitrite ions NO₂^-, which forms a white or slightly yellow, hygroscopic crystalline powder that is soluble in water. It is a strong oxidizer and may accelerate the combustion of other materials. Like other nitrite salts such as sodium nitrite, potassium nitrite is toxic if swallowed, and laboratory tests suggest that it may be mutagenic or teratogenic.  

Manufacturing Process

Potassium nitrite can be obtained by the reduction of potassium nitrate. The production of potassium nitrite by absorption of nitrogen oxides in potassium hydroxide or potassium carbonate is not employed on a large scaled because of the high price of these alkalies. Furthermore, as potassium nitrite is highly soluble in water, that makes it difficult to be recovered.

Food Industry

Potassium nitrite is used as a food preservative, additive, and is used in curing meat.

Medical Industry

Potassium nitrate is used to treat asthma and in topical formulations for sensitive teeth.