Chemical Properties
Potassium nitrite is a white to yellowish
crystalline solid.
Chemical Properties
white to yellow crystals
General Description
A yellowish white crystalline solid. Noncombustible but accelerates the burning of all combustible material. If large quantities are involved in fire or if the combustible material is finely divided, an explosion may result. May explode under prolonged exposure to heat. Toxic oxides of nitrogen are produced in fires. Used to make other chemicals and in chemical analysis.
Reactivity Profile
POTASSIUM NITRITE(7758-09-0) is an oxidizing agent. Mixtures with phosphorus, tin(II) chloride or other reducing agents may react explosively [Bretherick 1979 p. 108-109]. Contamination by ammonium compounds can initiate spontaneous decomposition. The resulting heat may ignite surrounding combustible material. Reacts with acids to form toxic nitrogen dioxide gas. Mixing with liquid ammonia forms diPOTASSIUM NITRITE(7758-09-0), which is very reactive and easily explosive [Mellor 2, Supp. 3:1566 1963]. Melting together with an ammonium salt leads to a violent explosion [Von Schwartz 1918 p. 299]. A mixture with potassium cyanide may cause an explosion. When a little ammonium sulfate is added to fused POTASSIUM NITRITE(7758-09-0), a vigorous reaction occurs attended by flame [Mellor 2:702. 1946-47].
Air & Water Reactions
Water soluble.
Hazard
Fire and explosion risk when shocked or
heated, or in contact with organic materials, strong
oxidizing agent.
Health Hazard
Inhalation, ingestion or contact (skin, eyes) with vapors or substance may cause severe injury, burns or death. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause pollution.
Potential Exposure
Potassium nitrite is used in chemical
analysis, as a food additive; in fertilizers; in medications as
a vasodilator and as antidote for cyanide poisoning.
Fire Hazard
These substances will accelerate burning when involved in a fire. Some may decompose explosively when heated or involved in a fire. May explode from heat or contamination. Some will react explosively with hydrocarbons (fuels). May ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.). Containers may explode when heated. Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard.
First aid
If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove any
contact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least
15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek
medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts the
skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediately
with soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately.
If this chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure,
begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, includ-
ing resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR if
heart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medical
facility. When this chemical has been swallowed, get medi-
cal attention. Give large quantities of water and induce
vomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit.
Medical observation is recommended for 24?48 hours after
breathing overexposure, as pulmonary edema may be
delayed. As first aid for pulmonary edema, a doctor or
authorized paramedic may consider administering a drug or
other inhalation therapy.
Shipping
UN1488 Potassium nitrite, Hazard Class: 5.1;
Labels: 5.1-Oxidizer. UN1479 Oxidizing solid, n.o.s.,
Hazard Class: 5.1; Labels: 5.1-Oxidizer, Technical Name
Required.
Incompatibilities
A strong oxidizer. Reacts violently with
combustible and reducing materials. Heat above 530 ? C
may cause explosion. Incompatible with cyanide salts;
boron, ammonium sulfate; potassium amide; and acids.
Decomposes on contact with even weak acids producing
toxic nitrogen oxide fumes.
Physical properties
White or slight yellow prismatic granules; deliquesc; density 1.915 g/cm3;melts at 440°C; decomposition starts at 350°C; very soluble in water, 281 g/100mL at 0°C; much more soluble in boiling water, 413 g/100mL at 100°C;aqueous solution is alkaline; slightly soluble in cold alcohol but moderately solublel in hot alcohol; very soluble in liquid ammonia; decomposes in acids,liberating brown NO2fumes.
Definition
potassium nitrite: A white orslightly yellow deliquescent solid,KNO2, soluble in water and insolublein ethanol; r.d. 1.91; m.p. 440°C; mayexplode at 600°C. Potassium nitrite isprepared by the reduction of potassiumnitrate. It reacts with cold dilutemineral acids to give nitrousacid and is also able to behave as areducing agent (if oxidized to the nitrate)or as an oxidizing agent (if reducedto nitrogen). It is used inorganic synthesis because of its partin diazotization, and in detecting thepresence of the amino groups in organiccompounds.
Preparation
Potassium nitrite may be prepared by fusion of nitrate with lead:
KNO3+ Pb →KNO2+ PbO
The product is extracted with water and allowed to crystallize. Filtration separates nitrite from insoluble lead oxide.
Potassium nitrite also may be obtained by high temperature thermal decomposition of nitrate:
2KNO3→2KNO2+ O2↑.
Production Methods
Potassium nitrite, KNO2, yellowish-white solid, soluble, for med (1) by reaction of nitric oxide plus nitrogen tetroxide and potassium carbonate or hydroxide, and then evaporating, (2) by heating potassium nitrate and lead to a high temperature and then extracting the soluble portion (lead monoxide insoluble) with H2O, and evaporating.
Purification Methods
A saturated solution at 0o is warmed and partially evaporated under vacuum. The crystals so obtained are filtered off from the warm solution. (This procedure is designed to reduce the level of nitrate impurity and is based on the effects of temperature on solubility. The solubility of KNO3 in water is 13g/100mL at 0o, 247g/100mL at 100o; for KNO2 the corresponding figures are 280g/100mL and 413g/100mL.) Alternatively, dissolve it in H2O and precipitate by adding of EtOH.
Flammability and Explosibility
Notclassified(100%)
Biological Activity
Potassium nitrite is a strong oxidizing agent th at enhances seeds to germinate without a pre-incubation period and without ethylene.
