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Nitrates and nitrites

Potassium nitrite

Also known as Nitrous acid, potassium salt, Potassium nitrite (1:1), Nitrous acid potassium salt (1:1)

CAS 7758-09-0Formula KNO2Molar mass 85.10 g/molEC 231-832-4
GHS signal word: Danger. Pictograms: Oxidiser, Acute toxicity (severe), Hazardous to the environment 27 suppliers listed
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Potassium nitrite chemical structure, KNO2, CAS 7758-09-0
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

All properties
Appearance
White or slightly yellow granules or rods
Melting point
441 °C
Boiling point
537 °C
Density
1.9 g/cm³
Solubility
281 G/100 CC OF WATER @ 0 °C, 413 G/100 CC OF WATER @ 100 °C
HS code
283410
Category
Nitrates and nitrites
UN number
UN 1488
Illustrative photo, white granules in a woven sack in a warehouse
Typical packagingIllustrative packaging image, not the actual product

What is Potassium nitrite?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

Potassium nitrite is an inorganic potassium salt and an inorganic molecular entity. It has a role as an antihypertensive agent and an antimicrobial food preservative.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
potassium nitrite
CAS number
7758-09-0 CAS number cross-checkedOther or deprecated CAS: 92937-66-1
EC numbers
231-832-4, 685-198-2
Molecular formula
KNO2
UNII
794654G42L
MDL number
MFCD00011408
InChIKey
BXNHTSHTPBPRFX-UHFFFAOYSA-M
InChI
InChI=1S/K.HNO2/c;2-1-3/h;(H,2,3)/q+1;/p-1
SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
N(=O)[O-].[K+]

Synonyms

  • Nitrous acid, potassium salt
  • Potassium nitrite (1:1)
  • Nitrous acid potassium salt (1:1)
  • INS NO.249
  • Nitrous acid potassium salt
  • potassium, nitrite
  • Potassium nitrite (15n)
  • potassium nitrite-15N
  • Nitrous acid, potassium salt (1:1)
  • Kaliumnitrit
  • Potassium nitrite [UN1488] [Oxidizer]
  • Potassium nitrite (KNO2)
  • Potassium nitrite, ACS grade
  • Potassium nitrite, p.a., 97%
  • Potassium nitrite, ~97% (titration)
  • Potassium nitrite, ACS reagent, >=96.0%
  • Potassium nitrite, meets analytical specification of FCC, 97-100.5%

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values and descriptors computed from the structure

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values, check the supplier specification for your grade

Appearance
White or slightly yellow granules or rodsexp.
Melting point
441 °Cexp.
Boiling point
537 °Cexp.
Density
1.9 g/cm³exp.
Solubility
281 G/100 CC OF WATER @ 0 °C, 413 G/100 CC OF WATER @ 100 °Cexp.

Values vary by grade. Ask suppliers for the COA or TDS of the batch you buy.

Computed descriptors

Calculated from the structure, useful for screening and formulation

Molecular weight
85.10 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
84.9566 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
-2.75calc.
Topological polar surface area
52.49 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
0calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
3calc.
Rotatable bonds
0calc.
Heavy atoms
4calc.
Rings
0calc.
Aromatic rings
0calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
0calc.
Formal charge
0calc.
Stereocentres
0calc.
Components
2calc.

Calculated for screening. Confirm critical figures with the supplier.

Safety and hazards

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet

GHS signal word
Danger
GHS03: Oxidiser
Oxidiser
GHS06: Acute toxicity (severe)
Acute toxicity (severe)
GHS09: Hazardous to the environment
Hazardous to the environment

Hazard statements

  • H272May intensify fire, oxidiser.
  • H301Toxic if swallowed.
  • H400Very toxic to aquatic life.
Precautionary statements (13)
  • P210Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
  • P220Keep away from clothing and other combustible materials.
  • P264Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
  • P270Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
  • P273Avoid release to the environment.
  • P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P301 + P316If swallowed: Get emergency medical help immediately.
  • P321Specific treatment (see supplemental first aid instructions on the label).
  • P330Rinse mouth.
  • P370 + P378In case of fire: Use appropriate media to extinguish.
  • P391Collect spillage.
  • P405Store locked up.
  • P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.
UN number
UN 1488
Transport hazard class
5.1
Packing group
II

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet (SDS). Classifications can differ by supplier, grade and concentration. Always check the supplier's SDS.

Full safety data and first aid

Potassium nitrite suppliers

Sponsored listings first, then the documented ranking: membership, verification, replies, completeness, freshness and ratings

All 27 suppliers
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Suppliers marked Unclaimed profile have not claimed their profile yet. They are not verified by CompoundList, their offers are price on request and details may have changed, so please confirm them with the supplier. Company representatives can claim a profile with a business email on the company's own website domain. Our team verifies each claim and sends the result by email.

Where suppliers are based

27 suppliers in 9 countries

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Potassium nitrite price

Indicative price range per kg from live supplier offers

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Uses and applications

What the substance is used for, by industry and function

Oxidizing agent and as a corrosion inhibitor in washing with hot potash for removal of carbon dioxide from gas streams (e.g., synthesis gas).

Analysis (testing for amino acids, cobalt, iodine, urea).

Nitrite is used as a food preservative and coloring agent, eg curing of meat, in the manufacture of diazo dyes and rubber, in the textile industry and in photography. Nitrite is also used in analytical and preparative chemistry, as a corrosion inhibitor and as an antidote in cyanide poisoning. (Nitrite).

Several adulterants are used to mask tests for abused drugs in urine. Adulterants such as "Klear" and "Whizzies" contain potassium nitrite...,.

Industrial uses: Corrosion inhibitor.

Consumer uses: Corrosion inhibitor.

Use classes: Food additives.

Roles

  • additive
  • antihypertensive agent
  • antimicrobial agent
  • antimicrobial food preservative
  • cardiovascular drug
  • food additive
  • food component
  • food preservative
  • pharmaceutical
  • physiological role

How it is made

Potassium nitrite can be obtained by reduction of potassium nitrate ... Production of potassium nitrite by absorption of nitrogen oxides in potassium hydroxide or potassium carbonate solution is not employed on a large scale because of the high price of these alkalies. Furthermore, the fact that potassium nitrite is highly soluble in water makes the solid difficult to recover.

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

Europe

  • EU harmonised classification (CLP Annex VI)
    Index no: 007-011-00-X

Health and food

  • Food additive

United States

  • TSCA inventory (USA)
    Status: Active in US commerce, Regulatory flags: Significant new use rule

HS code and trade data

Customs classification and reported world trade statistics

Global trade

World import and export statistics for the HS code Potassium nitrite is traded under.

HS 2834.10Indicative HS code

Nitrites

World exports in 2024
$64.9M
−6.3% vs 2023, imports $101M
2019 to 2024
Top exporters
  1. China33.8%
  2. India * partner reported30.0%
  3. United States11.3%
Top importers
  1. United States14.9%
  2. Netherlands10.2%
  3. Canada6.0%

* Partner reported figures, a lower bound.

Reported customs values in USD, not prices.Full trade data

The HS code shown for Potassium nitrite is indicative (it was assigned by structure rules). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about Potassium nitrite, based on the data on this page

What is Potassium nitrite?

Potassium nitrite is an inorganic potassium salt and an inorganic molecular entity. It has a role as an antihypertensive agent and an antimicrobial food preservative.

What is the CAS number of Potassium nitrite?

The CAS registry number of Potassium nitrite is 7758-09-0. Other or deprecated CAS numbers: 92937-66-1.

What is the molecular formula and weight of Potassium nitrite?

The molecular formula of Potassium nitrite is KNO2 and its molar mass is 85.10 g/mol.

What is Potassium nitrite used for?

Oxidizing agent and as a corrosion inhibitor in washing with hot potash for removal of carbon dioxide from gas streams (e.g., synthesis gas). Analysis (testing for amino acids, cobalt, iodine, urea).

Is Potassium nitrite hazardous?

Potassium nitrite carries the GHS signal word "Danger". Main hazards: may intensify fire, oxidiser, toxic if swallowed, very toxic to aquatic life. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of Potassium nitrite?

Potassium nitrite is usually classified under HS code 283410 (Nitrites). This is indicative, confirm it with your customs broker before shipping.

Where can I buy Potassium nitrite?

CompoundList lists 27 suppliers of Potassium nitrite in India, United States, Canada, China and 5 more. Send one free request to get and compare quotes. Your contact details stay private until you accept a quote.

Where can I buy Potassium nitrite in India?

10 suppliers in India list Potassium nitrite on CompoundList. Filter the suppliers list by country and send a request to compare prices, grades and delivery times.

What is the price of Potassium nitrite?

Suppliers quote Potassium nitrite on request because prices depend on grade, purity, quantity and destination. A free request on CompoundList gets you several quotes to compare.

Guides for buyers

Practical guides that help when you source, ship or handle Potassium nitrite

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Data last updated 7 Oct 2026. Details may have changed, please confirm them with the supplier. Report an error on this page
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