The chemical compound potassium nitrate decomposes into potassium nitrite. This decomposition produces oxygen, which makes potassium nitrate a good source for rocket propellants and fireworks. You can substitute for potassium nitrate with more easily obtainable chemicals. For example, sodium nitrate has almost entirely replaced potassium nitrate as a food preservative for cured meats.
Ammonium Nitrate and Potassium Hydroxide
Mahalo.com reports that potassium nitrate can be produced by combining ammonium nitrate and potassium hydroxide. Ammonium nitrate is an ingredient in instant cold packs. Potassium hydroxide, also called caustic potash, is available in pellet form for lab work. This combination produce ammonia gas, so make sure to do this outdoors or under a fume hood.
Ammonium Nitrate and Potassium Chloride
To make potassium nitrate without a gaseous reaction, combine ammonium nitrate and potassium chloride. Mahalo.com notes that you can use the low-salt substitute, potassium chloride.
Potassium Chlorate
An ingredient in early percussion caps of firearms, potassium chlorate can be used as a propellant in an apparatus specifically designed for chlorates, reports AbsoluteAstronomy.com. Potassium chlorate provides more explosive power in gunpowder as a replacement for potassium nitrate. The chlorate derivative is also used as a component of novelty fireworks such as noise-makers and crackers.
Sodium Nitrate
Potassium nitrate produces a more palatable color in the preservation of meats, but sodium nitrate is more widely used today in the curing of food than potassium nitrate, reports Oregon State University. The salt of nitric acid, sodium nitrate has been shown to be more effective than potassium nitrate in protecting cured meats from botulism-causing bacteria.
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