Potassium nitrate, also known as saltpeter or niter, is a chemical compound consisting of potassium, nitrogen, and oxygen.

1) Potassium nitrate consists of three basic chemical elements: potassium a soft, light, silver white ; nitrogen a colorless, odorless gas; and oxygen, another common gas.2) While it has many applications, including use as a fertilizer, its most important usage historically has been as a component of gunpowder.