2007-11-03 14:00:17 · 3 answers · asked by Mitch M 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
Saltpeter is Sodium Nitrate or Potassium Nitrate. Several methods are...
1. Buy it as stump remover (I use the Hi Yield brand. Its in a yellow can.)
2. React Ammonium Nitrate with Sodium or Potassium Hydroxide in a double displacement reaction resulting in Ammonium Hydroxide and either Potassium or Sodium Nitrate,
3. Find Nitrate rich soil and pass water through it like you would to brew coffee(The hotter the better(more will dissolve)). Boil solution down to half of its original volume and allow to cool. Collect crystals as they form.
4. React Nitric Acid with aqueous Sodium or Potassium Hydroxide. I do not recomend this method because it is very exothermic(A salt/ice bath may lessen the heat produced) and will begin to rapidly boil and splatter the Base and Acid on you so be careful when doing this.
Hope this helps!!!
2007-11-03 14:22:10 · answer #1 · answered by Snowman6317 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, because you don't have the raw materials. The best source is to buy it. Those who don't have it make it from Chilean saltpeter, which is sodium nitrate. They mix that with potassium chloride and crystallize out the potassium nitrate.
2007-11-03 21:06:46 · answer #2 · answered by steve_geo1 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Not unless you have a special recipe---------there is none and it doesn't exist.........xx
2007-11-03 21:04:57 · answer #3 · answered by lana s 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋