Potassium nitrate (KNO3), also known as saltpeter, is a chemical compound commonly used in fertilizers, food preservation, and fireworks, among other applications. It consists of potassium, nitrogen, and oxygen atoms and is typically found as a white crystalline powder. Potassium nitrate has been used historically for its oxidizing properties, making it a key ingredient in gunpowder and other explosives. In agriculture, it serves as a nitrogen fertilizer, providing essential nutrients for plant growth. Additionally, it has antimicrobial properties, making it useful in food preservation and curing meats. In fireworks, potassium nitrate acts as an oxidizer, facilitating the combustion of other compounds to produce colorful displays. While potassium nitrate has numerous practical applications, its use is regulated in some contexts due to environmental concerns related to nitrogen pollution and groundwater contamination.

References: - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potassium_nitrate