Potassium nitrate (KNO3) is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula (KNO3), commonly known as saltpeter or earth saltpeter. It is a colorless or white crystal or powder, odorless but with a salty taste. Potassium nitrate is a strong oxidant. Its main uses include as a fertilizer, in the manufacture of gunpowder, fireworks, and in toothpaste and medical treatments to relieve tooth sensitivity and treat calcium calculus. Physical and chemical properties Appearance: Colorless, transparent orthorhombic or rhombic crystals, or white granules or crystalline powder. Odor and taste: Odorless, with a salty and cooling taste. Solubility: Easily soluble in water, soluble in liquid ammonia and glycerol, insoluble in anhydrous ethanol and ether. Oxidizing property: It is a strong oxidant and may cause combustion and explosion when in contact with organic matter. Dissolution endothermic: It absorbs heat when dissolved in water, causing the solution temperature to drop. Main uses Fertilizer: As a nitrogen-potassium compound fertilizer, it can be quickly absorbed by crops and is suitable for a variety of vegetables, fruits, flowers, etc. Gunpowder and fireworks: It is one of the main ingredients of black powder and is also used to make fireworks and fuses. Toothpaste: It is added to some toothpastes as a desensitizing agent to relieve sensitive teeth. Medicine: It can be used as a drug to treat calcium stones because it can combine with the calcium in the stones and help excrete it from the body. Others: It is also used in the production of glass, ceramic glazes, catalysts and weather bottles.