HazMat Tool — substance information

Potassium nitrite

HMT May 2026

UN / ID: UN 1488
Hazard class: 5.1
Packing group: II
ERG guide: ERG 140
Special provisions: SP IB8, SP IP2, SP IP4, SP T3, SP TP33
Source: 49 CFR §172 (2026/05)

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Potassium nitrite

Potassium nitrite (distinct from potassium nitrate) is the inorganic compound with the chemical formula KNO2. It is an ionic salt of potassium ions K+ and nitrite ions NO2−, which forms a white or slightly yellow, hygroscopic crystalline powder that is soluble in water. It is a strong oxidizer and may accelerate the combustion of other materials. Like other nitrite salts such as sodium nitrite, potassium nitrite is toxic if swallowed, and laboratory tests suggest that it may be mutagenic or teratogenic. Gloves and safety glasses are usually used when handling potassium nitrite. Wikipedia

Substance Data

Source: PubChem (HSDB, 01.12.2019)

CAS-Number

7758-09-0

Flash Point

n/a

Boiling Point

n/a

Emergency Response Guide No. 140

Hazardous Materials Table

Source: 49 CFR §172 (2026/05)

(3) Hazard Class

5.1
Oxidizers

(4) Identification number

UN 1488

(5) Packing Group

(6) Labels

(7) Special Provisions (§172.102)

×Note:
Special provisions may be very complex. The extracts are taken from 49 CFR §172.102. Please be careful with the information, as necessary, additional conditions may be applied that are not written here. Please check the original source and report bugs.

IB8

Authorized IBCs: Metal (11A, 11B, 11N, 21A, 21B, 21N, 31A, 31B and 31N); Rigid plastics (11H1, 11H2, 21H1, 21H2, 31H1 and 31H2 ); Composite (11HZ1, 11HZ2, 21HZ1, 21HZ2 and 31HZ1); Fiberboard (11G); Wooden (11C, 11D and 11F); Flexible (13H1, 13H2, 13H3, 13H4, 13H5, 13L1, 13L2, 13L3, 13L4, 13M1 or 13M2).

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IP2

When IBCs other than metal or rigid plastics IBCs are used, they must be offered for transportation in a closed freight container or a closed transport vehicle.

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IP4

Flexible, fiberboard or wooden IBCs must be sift-proof and water-resistant or be fitted with a sift-proof and water-resistant liner.

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Minimum test pressure (bar)	2.65
Minimum shell thickness	§ 178.274(d)(2)
Pressure-relief requirements	Normal
Bottom opening requirements	§ 178.275(d)(2)

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TP33

The portable tank instruction assigned for this substance applies for granular and powdered solids and for solids which are filled and discharged at temperatures above their melting point which are cooled and transported as a solid mass. Solid substances transported or offered for transport above their melting point are authorized for transportation in portable tanks conforming to the provisions of portable tank instruction T4 for solid substances of packing group III or T7 for solid substances of packing group II, unless a tank with more stringent requirements for minimum shell thickness, maximum allowable working pressure, pressure-relief devices or bottom outlets are assigned in which case the more stringent tank instruction and special provisions shall apply. Filling limits must be in accordance with portable tank special provision TP3. Solids meeting the definition of an elevated temperature material must be transported in accordance with the applicable requirements of this subchapter.

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(8) Packing Authorizations (§173.***)

(8A) Exceptions	152	see 49 CFR §173.152
(8B) Non-bulk	212	see 49 CFR §173.212
(8C) Bulk	242	see 49 CFR §173.242

(9) Quantity Limits

(9A) Passenger aircraft/rail	5 kg
(9B) Cargo aircraft only	25 kg

(10) Vessel stowage

(10A) Location

Stowage category “A” means the material may be stowed “on deck” or “under deck” on a cargo vessel or on a passenger vessel.

Source: 49 CFR §172.101(k)

(10B) Other

56	see 49 CFR §176.84
58	see 49 CFR §176.84

Source: 49 CFR §176.84

Segregation chart for load, transport, and storage

This chart shows whether loading, transport, or storage with other hazard classes is permitted, prohibited, or restricted. Based on 49 CFR §177.848.

Hazard class	8	7	6.1	5.2	5.1	4.3	4.2	4.1	3	2.3B	2.3A	2.2	2.1	1.6	1.5	1.4	1.3	1.1/1.2
1.1/1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6
2.1
2.2
2.3A
2.3B
3
4.1
4.2
4.3
5.1
5.2
6.1
7
8

	Must not be loaded, transported, or stored together in the same vehicle or facility.
	May be loaded, transported, or stored together.
	May be loaded, transported, or stored together only with restrictions.

Similar substances

UN / ID	Proper shipping name	Hazard class
UN 1382	Potassium sulfide, anhydrous or Potassium sulfide with less than 30 percent water of crystallization	4.2
UN 1847	Potassium sulfide, hydrated with not less than 30 percent water of crystallization	8
UN 3028	Batteries, dry, containing potassium hydroxide solid, electric storage	8
UN 1487	Potassium nitrate and sodium nitrite mixtures	5.1
UN 1499	Sodium nitrate and potassium nitrate mixtures	5.1
UN 1420	Potassium, metal alloys, liquid	4.3
UN 3403	Potassium, metal alloys, solid	4.3
UN 2427	Potassium chlorate, aqueous solution	5.1
	Potassium dichloro isocyanurate or Potassium dichloro-s-triazinetrione, see Dichloroisocyanuric acid, dry or Dichloroisocyanuric acid salts etc
UN 1929	Potassium dithionite or Potassium hydrosulfite	4.2
UN 1422	Potassium sodium alloys, liquid	4.3
UN 3404	Potassium sodium alloys, solid	4.3
UN 1551	Antimony potassium tartrate	6.1
UN 1626	Mercuric potassium cyanide	6.1
UN 1643	Mercury potassium iodide	6.1