E252 (Potassium nitrate) is a chemical compound, potassium salt of nitric acid.

It appears in the form of a white powder.

What it is used for and where

Food

In the food industry it serves as a preservative and is labelled with the number E252 in the list of food additives.

Safety

Warnings on E 250 from the Italian Association for Cancer Research (AIRC) : Long-term dietary intake of large amounts of nitrites is associated with an increased risk of developing stomach cancer and oesophageal cancer. Therefore, foods containing potassium nitrite (E249), sodium nitrite (E250) and potassium nitrate (E252), which are mainly found in tinned meat, sausages and processed meats, should be avoided or strongly reduced. Finally, certain antioxidants such as vitamin C (E300) and its derivatives such as sodium ascorbate (E301) and potassium ascorbate (E303) inhibit the formation of nitrosamines from nitrates and nitrites and are therefore often used in combination in the food industry (1).

Cosmetics

Oral care agent. This ingredient can be placed in the oral cavity to improve and/or maintain oral hygiene and health, to prevent or improve a disorder of the teeth, gums, mucous membrane.

Soothing. Ingredient with the task of restoring moisture to the skin, helping in the healing process of irritation, inflammation and skin disorders.

Other uses

• ceramic dye
• glass clarifier
• in penicillin
• toothpaste
• chemical fertiliser
• solar energy
• ingredient in explosives

"Potassium nitrate studies"

• Molecular Formula  KNO₃
• Molecular Weight  101.102 g/mol
• UNII: RU45X2JN0Z
• CAS: 7757-79-1  96193-83-8
• EC Number: 231-818-8
• DSSTox  RU45X2JN0Z
• PubChem Substance ID 329820324
• MDL number MFCD00011409
• UNII    RU45X2JN0Z
• IUPAC  potassium;nitrate
• InChl=1S/K.NO3/c;2-1(3)4/q+1;-1
• InChl Key      FGIUAXJPYTZDNR-UHFFFAOYSA-N
• SMILES  [N+](=O)([O-])[O-].[K+]
• ChEBI  63043
• RTECS  TT3700000
• NCI    C82074
• ICSC    0184
• RXCUI       34316  
• UN  1486

Synonyms: 

• Vicknite
• Saltpeter
• Nitric acid potassium salt

References_____________________________________________________________________

 (1)  http://www.airc.it/cancro/disinformazione/additivi-conservanti-alimentari/