Potassium nitrate Potassium nitrate Potassium nitrate is a chemical compound with the chemical formula KNO. It is an ionic salt of potassium ions K and nitrate ions NO, 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) and has been used since the
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