POTASSIUM NITRATE
The
Chemical Identifier fields
include common identification numbers, the
NFPA diamond
U.S. Department of Transportation hazard labels, and a general
description of the chemical. The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes
from a variety of
data sources.
CAS Number | UN/NA Number |
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DOT Hazard Label | USCG CHRIS Code |
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NIOSH Pocket Guide | International Chem Safety Card |
none |
NFPA 704
data unavailable
General Description
A white to dirty gray crystalline solid. Water soluble. Noncombustible, but accelerates the burning of combustible materials. If large quantities are involved in fire or the combustible material is finely divided an explosion may result. May explode under prolonged exposure to heat or fire. Toxic oxides of nitrogen are produced in fires. Used in solid propellants, explosives, fertilizers.
The
Hazard fields
include
special hazard alerts
air and water
reactions, fire hazards, health hazards, a reactivity profile, and
details about
reactive groups assignments
and
potentially incompatible absorbents.
The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of
data sources.
Reactivity Alerts
- Strong Oxidizing Agent
Air & Water Reactions
Soluble in water.
Fire Hazard
Special Hazards of Combustion Products: May produce toxic nitrogen oxides upon decomposition.
Behavior in Fire: Strong oxidizer which may react explosively when mixed with reducing agents. Mixture may detonate by heat or shock. Increases the flammability of any combustible material. (USCG, 1999)
Behavior in Fire: Strong oxidizer which may react explosively when mixed with reducing agents. Mixture may detonate by heat or shock. Increases the flammability of any combustible material. (USCG, 1999)
Health Hazard
Exposure can cause mild irritation of eyes, nose and throat. (USCG, 1999)
Reactivity Profile
POTASSIUM NITRATE mixed with alkyl esters may explode, owing to the formation of alkyl nitrates; mixtures with phosphorus, tin (II) chloride, or other reducing agents may react explosively [Bretherick 1979. p. 108-109]. Powdered antimony mixed with potassium nitrate explodes when heated [Mellor 9:282 1946-47]. A mixture of antimony trisulfide and potassium nitrate explodes at a red heat [Mellor 9:524. 1946-47]. Arsenic disulfide forms explosive mixtures when mixed with potassium nitrate, [Mellor 9:270.1946-47]. A mixture of sodium acetate and potassium nitrate may cause an explosion [Pieters 1957. p. 30]. A mixture of potassium nitrate and sodium hypophosphite constitutes a powerful explosive [Mellor 8:881. 1946-47]. A mixture of powdered zirconium and potassium nitrate explodes when heated above the melting point [Mellor 7:116. 1946-47].
Belongs to the Following Reactive Group(s)
Potentially Incompatible Absorbents
Use caution: Liquids with this reactive group classification have been known to react with the absorbents listed below. More info about absorbents, including situations to watch out for...
- Cellulose-Based Absorbents
- Expanded Polymeric Absorbents
The
Response Recommendation fields
include isolation and evacuation distances, as well as recommendations for
firefighting, non-fire response, protective clothing, and first aid. The
information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of
data sources.
Isolation and Evacuation
Excerpt from ERG Guide 140 [Oxidizers]:
IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.
LARGE SPILL: Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 100 meters (330 feet).
FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. If ammonium nitrate products are in a tank, rail car or truck and involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions; also, initiate evacuation including emergency responders for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)
IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.
LARGE SPILL: Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 100 meters (330 feet).
FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. If ammonium nitrate products are in a tank, rail car or truck and involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions; also, initiate evacuation including emergency responders for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)
Firefighting
Excerpt from ERG Guide 140 [Oxidizers]:
SMALL FIRE: Use water. Do not use dry chemicals or foams. CO2 or Halon® may provide limited control.
LARGE FIRE: Flood fire area with water from a distance. Do not move cargo or vehicle if cargo has been exposed to heat. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.
FIRE INVOLVING TANKS, RAIL TANK CARS OR HIGHWAY TANKS: For ammonium nitrate products: Do not fight cargo fire. Withdraw, evacuate and isolate area for at least 1600 meters (1 mile). Treat as an explosive (ERG Guide 112). Do not enter area for 24 hours or until expert advice has been provided. Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames. For massive fire, use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn. (ERG, 2024)
SMALL FIRE: Use water. Do not use dry chemicals or foams. CO2 or Halon® may provide limited control.
LARGE FIRE: Flood fire area with water from a distance. Do not move cargo or vehicle if cargo has been exposed to heat. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.
FIRE INVOLVING TANKS, RAIL TANK CARS OR HIGHWAY TANKS: For ammonium nitrate products: Do not fight cargo fire. Withdraw, evacuate and isolate area for at least 1600 meters (1 mile). Treat as an explosive (ERG Guide 112). Do not enter area for 24 hours or until expert advice has been provided. Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames. For massive fire, use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn. (ERG, 2024)
Non-Fire Response
Excerpt from ERG Guide 140 [Oxidizers]:
Keep combustibles (wood, paper, oil, etc.) away from spilled material. Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Do not get water inside containers.
SMALL DRY SPILL: With clean shovel, place material into clean, dry container and cover loosely; move containers from spill area.
SMALL LIQUID SPILL: Use a non-combustible material like vermiculite or sand to soak up the product and place into a container for later disposal.
LARGE SPILL: Dike far ahead of liquid spill for later disposal. (ERG, 2024)
Keep combustibles (wood, paper, oil, etc.) away from spilled material. Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Do not get water inside containers.
SMALL DRY SPILL: With clean shovel, place material into clean, dry container and cover loosely; move containers from spill area.
SMALL LIQUID SPILL: Use a non-combustible material like vermiculite or sand to soak up the product and place into a container for later disposal.
LARGE SPILL: Dike far ahead of liquid spill for later disposal. (ERG, 2024)
Protective Clothing
Full cover clothing and chemical goggles. Use approved respirator to protect against dust. (USCG, 1999)
DuPont Tychem® Suit Fabrics
No information available.
First Aid
Get medical attention.
INHALATION: Remove to fresh air.
EYES: Flush with water for at least 15 min., lifting lids occasionally.
SKIN: Remove contaminated clothing and shoes. Flush with water. (USCG, 1999)
INHALATION: Remove to fresh air.
EYES: Flush with water for at least 15 min., lifting lids occasionally.
SKIN: Remove contaminated clothing and shoes. Flush with water. (USCG, 1999)
The
Physical Property fields
include properties such as vapor pressure and
boiling point, as well as explosive limits and
toxic exposure thresholds
The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of
data sources.
Note: For Vapor Density and Specific Gravity, comparing the value to 1.0 can tell you if the chemical will likely sink/rise in air or sink/float in fresh water (respectively). Short phrases have been added to those values below as an aid. However, make sure to also consider the circumstances of a release. The Vapor Density comparisons are only valid when the gas escaping is at the same temperature as the surrounding air itself. If the chemical is escaping from a container where it was pressurized or refrigerated, it may first escape and behave as a heavy gas and sink in the air (even if it has a Vapor Density value less than 1). Also, the Specific Gravity comparisons are for fresh water (density 1.0 g/mL). If your spill is in salt water (density about 1.027 g/mL), you need to adjust the point of comparison. There are some chemicals that will sink in fresh water and float in salt water.
Note: For Vapor Density and Specific Gravity, comparing the value to 1.0 can tell you if the chemical will likely sink/rise in air or sink/float in fresh water (respectively). Short phrases have been added to those values below as an aid. However, make sure to also consider the circumstances of a release. The Vapor Density comparisons are only valid when the gas escaping is at the same temperature as the surrounding air itself. If the chemical is escaping from a container where it was pressurized or refrigerated, it may first escape and behave as a heavy gas and sink in the air (even if it has a Vapor Density value less than 1). Also, the Specific Gravity comparisons are for fresh water (density 1.0 g/mL). If your spill is in salt water (density about 1.027 g/mL), you need to adjust the point of comparison. There are some chemicals that will sink in fresh water and float in salt water.
Chemical Formula: |
|
Flash Point: data unavailable
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL): data unavailable
Upper Explosive Limit (UEL): data unavailable
Autoignition Temperature: data unavailable
Melting Point:
633.2°F
(USCG, 1999)
Vapor Pressure: data unavailable
Vapor Density (Relative to Air): data unavailable
Specific Gravity:
2.109
(USCG, 1999)
- Denser than water; will sink
Boiling Point:
752°F
at 760 mmHg
(decomposes)
(USCG, 1999)
Molecular Weight:
101.11
(USCG, 1999)
Water Solubility: data unavailable
Ionization Energy/Potential: data unavailable
IDLH: data unavailable
AEGLs (Acute Exposure Guideline Levels)
No AEGL information available.ERPGs (Emergency Response Planning Guidelines)
No ERPG information available.PACs (Protective Action Criteria)
Chemical | PAC-1 | PAC-2 | PAC-3 |
---|---|---|---|
Potassium nitrate (7757-79-1) | 9 mg/m3 | 100 mg/m3 | 600 mg/m3 |
(DOE, 2024)
The
Regulatory Information fields
include information from
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Title III Consolidated List of
Lists,
the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency's Chemical Facility
Anti-Terrorism Standards,
and the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration's
Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals Standard List
(see more about these
data sources).
EPA Consolidated List of Lists
No regulatory information available.CISA Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS)
RELEASE | THEFT | SABOTAGE | ||||||||
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Chemical of Interest | CAS Number | Min Conc | STQ | Security Issue |
Min Conc | STQ | Security Issue |
Min Conc | STQ | Security Issue |
Potassium nitrate | 7757-79-1 | ACG | 400 pounds | EXP/IEDP |
- ACG = a commercial grade.
- EXP/IEDP = explosives/improvised explosive device precursors.
(CISA, 2007)
OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard List
No regulatory information available.
This section provides a listing of alternate names for this chemical,
including trade names and synonyms.
- COLLO-BO
- DEXOL STUMP REMOVER
- NITER
- NITRE
- NITRIC ACID POTASSIUM SALT (1:1)
- NITRIC ACID, POTASSIUM SALT
- POTASH NITRATE
- POTASSIUM NITRATE
- SALTPETER
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