Saltpeter what is it? Although the word is, in general, by ear, not everyone knows what exactly it means. Nitrate is the old name for nitrates, that is, salts of nitric acid. There are several varieties of this substance. Depending on what the connection with which is nitrogen, sodium nitrate, potassium and ammonium nitrate are distinguished.
Potassium nitrate
So, potassium nitrate - what is it? The composition of this substance includes nitrogen (N-NO3) in an amount of 13% and potassium (K2O) in an amount of 46%.
Potassium nitrate is used mainly as a fertilizer. Its use balances the balance in plant tissues, promotes the activation
of photosynthesis , etc. This type of fertilizer can be used both for root top dressing and for foliar. It is perfect for vegetables and fruit trees and shrubs, as well as for flowers, etc. They are made from potassium nitrate and
explosives.Sodium Nitrate
So, sodium nitrate - what is it? This substance is a white crystal, which is also often used as fertilizer. In addition, it is used in the glass and metallurgical industries.
Another area of its use is the manufacture of rocket fuel and explosives. It can not be stored next to organic combustible substances, since the latter in this case can ignite spontaneously.
Ammonium nitrate
Ammonium nitrate, like the first two types, is used to make fertilizers and explosives. As a fertilizer, it is mainly used only in the first half of the season. It is suitable for almost any type of soil. One of its interesting features is that it can be used even in cold weather. Making it in the beds should be accompanied by abundant watering. This also applies to the two types of nitrates described above.
Thus, nitrate, the use of which is advisable both in agriculture and in industry, is an unusually useful and necessary substance. If you want, you can make it yourself. In this case, the composition can be used to impregnate wicks and paper in the manufacture of pyrotechnic devices or, in fact, for use as a fertilizer.
How to make saltpeter?
The simplest to manufacture is sodium, which is rarely found on sale. To do this, use ordinary soda (1 part). The second component may be ammonium nitrate (2 parts). It is easy to find in the store. These two substances are mixed and filled with water, which must be hot or at least warm. This action will lead to the beginning of the reaction with the release of carbon dioxide and ammonia and a gradual decrease in temperature. Then the mixture is put on fire and boiled for about two hours - until the end of the reaction. Then the solution is evaporated.
In the manufacture of potassium nitrate, potash (potassium carbonate), which can be obtained from plant ash, is used instead of soda. To do this, the ash is dissolved in water, filtered and the resulting solution is evaporated.
So, now you know the answer to the question: "Niter - what is it?" The substance is useful and not too difficult to make at home.