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 chromate Potassium chromate Potassium chromate is the inorganic compound with the formula (KCrO). This yellow solid is the potassium salt of the chromate anion. It is a common laboratory chemical, whereas sodium chromate is important industrially. It is a class two carcinogen as it contains hexavalent chromium. Two crystalline forms are known, both being very similar to the corresponding potassium sulfate. Orthorhombic β-KCrO is the common form, but it converts to an α-form above 66 °C. These structures are complex, although the sulfate adopts the typical tetrahedral geometry. It is prepared by treating potassium dichromate with potassium hydroxide. In solution, the