Question: what is the chemical reaction of gunpowder?
Answer: Gunpowder is a mixture, not a compound. The primary component, potassium nitrate or saltpeter, is KNO3, but it also contains sulfur and carbon. The sulfur is for ignition, the carbon is fuel and the saltpeter is the oxygen source. 10(KNO3) + 8C + 3S -> 2(K2C03) + 3(K2SO4) + 6(CO2) + 5(N2)[1].