Question

The Formula of Bengal SaltPetre is:

(A) $KN{O_3}$

(B) $NaN{O_3}$

(C) $AgN{O_3}$

(D) None of the above

Answer 1

Saltpetre also called “Nitre” is a British term used to refer compounds of sodium and potassium combined with nitrogen and oxygen i.e. ‘Nitrates’ salts in particular. Before the structured chemical naming saltpetre was a popularly known nitrate of potash. People also know it by the name of 'Chinese salt' or 'Chinese snow'. These saltpetre exist in three forms: (a) Ordinary Saltpetre (b) Chile Saltpetre (c) Lime Saltpetre.

Complete step by step answer:

$KN{O_3}$ is known as Ordinary saltpetre while $NaN{O_3}$ is called Chile saltpetre. Lime Saltpetre is $Ca{\left( {N{O_3}} \right)_2}$.

- Potassium Nitrate is an ionic salt of potassium ions ${K^ + }$ and nitrate ions $NO_3^ -$ , and is alkali metal nitrate rarely found in earth’s crust and caves.

- Ordinary saltpetre is also known as Bengal Saltpetre because in the mid-nineteenth century saltpetre was collected from sandy areas of Bengal which was an important place of export of saltpetre to European markets.

- It is a very important crude salt in India.

- Bengal Salt petre has application in food preparation.

- It can be used to boil tough meat and beans. Thus, it reduces the time of cooking.

- The Saltpetre was further used as gunpowder in making explosives. It is also used as Fertilizers.

So, the correct answer is Option (A).

Note:
$KN{O_3}$ and $NaN{O_3}$ both are nitrate salts of Potassium and sodium and are called Indian Saltpetre. $NaN{O_3}$ is a deliquescent crystalline solid and is found mainly in Chile hence it is called Chile saltpetre. $KN{O_3}$ on the other hand is solid that is black in colour and is an important crude salt in India. It can also be called as Indian Saltpetre.