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What is another name for saltpeter?
saltpetre, also spelled Saltpeter, also called Nitre, or Niter, any of three naturally occurring nitrates, distinguished as (1) ordinary saltpetre, or potassium nitrate, KNO3; (2) Chile saltpetre, cubic nitre, or sodium nitrate, NaNO3; and (3) lime saltpetre, wall saltpetre, or calcium nitrate, Ca(NO3)2.
Is saltpeter a nitrite?
The secret turned out to be an impurity, potassium nitrate, more familiar to us as “saltpeter.” Actually, the real secret isn’t even nitrate, it is nitrite.
Why do they call it saltpeter?
It is a source of nitrogen, and nitrogen was named after niter. Potassium nitrate is one of several nitrogen-containing compounds collectively referred to as saltpetre (or saltpeter in North America)….Potassium nitrate.
Names | |
---|---|
IUPAC name Potassium nitrate | |
Other names Saltpeter Saltpetre Nitrate of potash | |
Identifiers | |
CAS Number | 7757-79-1 |
What is the literal definition of saltpeter?
English Language Learners Definition of saltpeter : a white powder that exists naturally in some soils and that is used especially as a fertilizer, in medicine, and to make gunpowder. See the full definition for saltpeter in the English Language Learners Dictionary. saltpeter. noun.
Does saltpeter cause impotence?
Saltpeter (potassium nitrate) has been used in fertilizer and fireworks. It was also once used to cure meats. Although it has a reputation for lowering libido, this is a myth.
What was put in prisoners tea?
Some bromide salts, notably potassium bromide, were found to be natural sedatives, and were prescribed in the 19th Century as a remedy for epilepsy. This side-effect also lies behind the urban myth that bromide was added to the tea of prisoners and World War I soldiers in order to reduce sexual urges.
Can you buy saltpeter at Walmart?
Humco Saltpetre Potassium Nitrate Powder – 1 Lb – Walmart.com.
Is saltpeter toxic?
Saltpeter and other nitrates have a long history of medical use, but it is toxic in high doses and can produce symptoms ranging from a mild headache and upset stomach to kidney damage and dangerously altered pressure.
Is there a difference between saltpeter and sodium nitrate?
From what I’ve been able to find out saltpeter is never used anymore nor available to the home cook, and sodium nitrate is not commonly available. Sodium nitrate in the brine gives cooked corned beef its classic reddish color (without it corned beef comes out gray), and it kills botulism spores.
Is NaNO3 the same as saltpeter?
In addition to KNO 3, the compounds sodium nitrate (NaNO 3 ), calcium nitrate (Ca (NO 3) 2 ), and magnesium nitrate (Mg (NO 3) 2) are also sometimes referred to as saltpeter. Pure saltpeter or potassium nitrate is a white crystalline solid, usually encountered as a powder.
What is the common name of saltpeter?
Before systematic naming of chemicals, saltpeter was called nitrate of potash. It has also been called ‘Chinese salt’ or ‘Chinese snow’. In addition to KNO 3, the compounds sodium nitrate (NaNO 3), calcium nitrate (Ca(NO 3) 2), and magnesium nitrate (Mg(NO 3) 2) are also sometimes referred to as saltpeter.
What is the difference between sodium nitrate and nitric oxide?
The sodium nitrate acts as a time release, breaking down into sodium nitrite, then nitric oxide over an extended period of time. This supplements the sodium nitrite, which can deplete by 75\% over a two week period, far too short for products that cure over an extended period of time.