Potassium nitrite Potassium nitrite Potassium nitrite (distinct from potassium nitrate) is the inorganic compound with the chemical formula . It is an ionic salt of potassium ions K and nitrite ions NO, 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. Gloves and safety glasses are usually used when handling potassium nitrite. Nitrite is present at trace levels
Potassium ferrioxalate Potassium ferrioxalate Potassium ferrioxalate, also known as potassium trisoxalatoferrate(III), is a chemical compound with the formula [], where iron is in the +3 oxidation state. It is an octahedral transition metal complex in which three bidentate oxalate ions are bound to an iron center. Potassium acts as a counterion, balancing the −3 charge of the complex. Crystals of the trihydrated form of the complex, []·3, are emerald green in color. In solution, the salt dissociates to give the ferrioxalate anion, [], which appears fluorescent green in color. Potassium ferrioxalate is often used in chemical actinometry, i.e. the measure of light