potassium nitrite

Potassium nitrite is an inorganic potassium salt with the chemical formula KNO2. It is widely used as an antimicrobial food preservative and color fixative (designated as E 249 in the European Union), particularly in cured meats to prevent the growth of *Clostridium botulinum*. Historically, potassium nitrite was investigated and used in medicine as a vasodilator and antihypertensive agent for the treatment of angina pectoris, acting through its conversion to nitric oxide. In addition to its food and historical medical applications, potassium nitrite is commonly utilized as a chemical reagent, corrosion inhibitor, and has been used as an in vitro urine adulterant to mask drug testing results by oxidizing drug metabolites.

Brand names

Klear

Other names

E 249E249E-249KNO2KNO-2KNO 2potassium salt of nitrous acid