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Appearance: Colorless transparent crystals or white granular powder.
Density: 2.11 g/cm³ at 20°C.
Melting Point: 334°C.
Boiling Point: Decomposes at 400°C, releasing oxygen.
Solubility:
- Soluble in water: 13.3 g/100 mL at 0°C, 247 g/100 mL at 100°C.
- Slightly soluble in ethanol, soluble in glycerol and liquid ammonia.

Oxidizing Agent: Potassium nitrate is a strong oxidizer and can react violently with reducing agents, organic materials, and powdered metals.
Stability: Stable at room temperature but decomposes at high temperatures, releasing toxic nitrogen oxides (NOₓ).

Agriculture: Used as a fertilizer, providing both nitrogen and potassium (13% N, 46% K₂O) without chloride.
Pyrotechnics and Explosives: Key component in gunpowder, fireworks, and rocket propellants.
Food Industry: Used as a preservative and color fixative in meats.
Medical Uses: Historically used as a diuretic and to treat hypertension; currently used in toothpastes to reduce tooth sensitivity.
Other Industrial Uses: Used in glass manufacturing, matches, and as a flux in metallurgy.

Health Hazards: Inhalation or ingestion may cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat. Chronic exposure can lead to anemia and methemoglobinemia.
Fire and Explosion Risk: Potassium nitrate is a powerful oxidizer and can accelerate combustion. It poses a significant fire and explosion risk when mixed with organic materials or reducing agents.
Storage and Handling: Store in a cool, dry place away from organic materials and reducing agents. Use protective equipment when handling.

Ecotoxicity: Limited data available, but it is generally considered harmful to aquatic life.
Disposal: Dispose of in accordance with local regulations to avoid environmental contamination.

Commercial Production: Potassium nitrate is typically produced by reacting potassium chloride with nitric acid at high temperatures.
Alternative Method: It can also be prepared by mixing hot saturated solutions of potassium chloride and sodium nitrate, followed by crystallization.