Q&A for How to Make Potassium Nitrate

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Are the final nitrate crystals the potassium nitrate?

Zane Ramey

Community Answer

Yes. And they can be redissolved, filtered and purified if they appear to contain foreign chemicals or impurities.

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What is potassium chloride? Where can I buy it?

Community Answer

Potassium chloride is a metal halide salt that is used in medications, fire extinguishers, fertilizers, and salt substitutes. It has many other applications as well. Potassium chloride is available at many stores as a water softener (one brand name to look for is Diamond Crystal Sodium Shield), and can be purchased online.

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Question

What about the gel ones? Do they produce the same outcome?

Community Answer

Probably not. Even if they did, I believe the disposable one-time use ones would be cheaper and yield a better result.

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Question

Approximately how much potassium nitrate does this make in grams?

Community Answer

This is a half mole batch, so the theoretical yield is 50.5 grams. Expect that some of the potassium nitrate will not crystallize out, so 30 grams is probably more likely..

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Question

Can I make it with calcium ammonium nitrate?

Community Answer

Yes, however you will need to use 45g. Filter the solution before and after heating to remove the anti-caking agents. Perform the recrystalization multiple times to purify.

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Can I just use potassium instead of potassium chloride?

Community Answer

No, it will not react in the same way. Also, pure potassium will combust when it comes into contact with water or water vapor.

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Question

Do I need the exact measurements?

Community Answer

Definitely. If you you use too much or too little of certain ingredients, you'll throw off the whole thing and it won't work at all. Your ratio needs to be spot on for it to work properly.

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Question

Do I have to use potassium chloride or can I use ordinary potassium?

Community Answer

No. You will need Potassium Chloride as regular Potassium will be ineffective.

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Question

Can all instant cold packs be used?

Community Answer

The packs must have ammonium nitrate, completely separate from other compounds.

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Question

Where can I buy sodium free salt in the UK?

Community Answer

Usually through chemical stores or online. You can also try grocery stores or pharmacies.

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Question

How pure does the potassium chloride need to be?

Community Answer

If you can, try to make it as pure as possible.

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Question

Can I use potassium chloride tablets instead of powder?

S. G. Science of Genius Science Channel

Community Answer

Yes. Just make sure that the tablets are of potassium chloride only! You can use them by breaking them into pieces.

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Question

Can you make a larger batch at a time and still have it be safe?

Andy Winder

Community Answer

Larger batches may create larger amounts of ammonium gas. When making potassium nitrate at home, only make small batches of potassium nitrate at a time.

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Question

Can I use potassium chlorate instead of potassium chloride?

Community Answer

NO! You would be making ammonium chlorate, which is an explosive chemical!

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Question

Can I use salt which has a little bit of sodium in it?

Community Answer

No. The sodium will throw the whole thing off. It will nullify your compound, and then it won't be potassium nitrate.

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Question

What would happen if I let the solution boil?

Community Answer

Then the solution wouldn't be potassium nitrate. Boiling any substance changes the whole compound, and doesn't yield the desired results.

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Question

Is there any way to evaporate ammonium nitrate faster?

Tom King

Community Answer

Yes, the larger the area the solution is poured on, the faster be the evaporation.

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Question

Can I not add potassium hydroxide while making potassium nitrate from urea or ammonium nitrate by adopting a suitable quantity?

Community Answer

The potassium provides the potassium in potassium nitrate. Urea cold packs won't work.

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Question

What has potassium nitrate in it?

Drew Hawkins1

Community Answer

Potassium nitrate, also known as saltpeter, can be found in a few natural sources. Commonly, it's refined from guano, or bat droppings, which are collected from caves and processed. But it can also be found in the sap of plants like sunflowers, borage, celandine, and tobacco. It can also be made in a lab by combining other chemicals together to create a reaction that makes the ionic salt.

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Does potassium nitrate explode?

Drew Hawkins1

Community Answer

Yes, potassium nitrate can potentially explode. In fact, potassium nitrate, also known as saltpeter, is a key ingredient for making gunpowder. It's also a toxic poison that can be life-threatening if it's ingested. Whenever you're handling potassium nitrate, follow the proper safety precautions and keep open flames far away from saltpeter to prevent possible fires or explosions.

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Question

Is potassium nitrate illegal?

Drew Hawkins1

Community Answer

Yes, it is legal to own and make potassium nitrate. The only nitrate with any restrictions is ammonium nitrate because of its highly combustible nature. While potassium nitrate, also known as saltpeter, is also flammable and combustible, it isn't as dangerous as ammonium nitrate. You can purchase your own potassium nitrate or manufacture it yourself. However, it's highly poisonous if it's ingested and it can blow up or start a fire, so handle it with care and keep open flames away from it.

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