Name the following compound, \( \mathrm{KNO}_{2} * 7 \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O} \)

This compound is called potassium nitrite heptahydrate. The \( \mathrm{KNO}_{2} \) part indicates that it’s potassium nitrite, a salt that can act as a food preservative and is used in various industrial applications. The “heptahydrate” part signifies that there are seven water molecules associated with each formula unit of potassium nitrite, which can affect the compound's properties and stability. Potassium nitrite heptahydrate has practical applications. It's commonly utilized in the food industry as a curing agent for meats, where it helps to prevent bacterial growth and gives a characteristic pink color. Additionally, it is used in chemistry labs for various reactions and as a source of nitrite ions in analytical procedures, showcasing its versatility beyond just culinary uses!