Nitrate

      O     O−
       \\  /
         N+
         |
         O−

A nitrate salt forms if a positively charged ion attaches to one of the negatively charged oxygen atoms of the nitrate ion.

Nitrates such as potassium nitrate (saltpetre) and ammonium nitrate are an important source of nitrogen in fertilizers.

Nitrates are also oxidizing agents. When mixed with hydrocarbons or carbohydrates, nitrates can form a flammable[?] or even explosive mixture. For example, potassium nitrate is the oxidizing ingredient in black gunpowder.

Nitrates covered in Wikipedia include:

• ammonium nitrate
• lead (II) nitrate
• potassium nitrate
• silver nitrate
• sodium nitrate

Nitrates should not be confused with nitrites[?], the salts of nitrous acid[?].