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N2O

Nitrous Oxide

Colorless, odorless, nontoxic, liquefied nonflammable gas with a slightly sweet taste and odor.
Shipping Information
D.O.T. Proper Shipping Name:
Nitrous Oxide
I.D. Number:
UN1070
Hazard Class:
2.2 (5.1)
Shipping Labels:
Nonflammable Gas, Oxidizer
Technical Information
Molecular weight:
44.013
Specific volume:
8.79ft3/lb
CAS registry:
10024-97-2
SDS ref:
Nitrous Oxide
About

Nitrous oxide (N2O), also known as “laughing gas,” is a fascinating compound that demonstrates how a molecule’s structure directly influences its properties and applications. Each molecule consists of two nitrogen atoms bonded to a single oxygen atom in a linear arrangement, creating a stable but mildly reactive gas at room temperature. In medicine, nitrous oxide has served as an invaluable anesthetic and analgesic since the mid-1800s, producing a unique combination of pain relief and mild euphoria (hence its nickname) while maintaining patient consciousness – properties that make it particularly useful in dental procedures and childbirth.

Beyond medicine, this colorless gas plays diverse roles: it serves as a propellant in whipped cream dispensers due to its high solubility in fats; it provides a performance boost in internal combustion engines by increasing available oxygen for combustion; and it even has applications in semiconductor manufacturing. While nitrous oxide naturally occurs in Earth’s atmosphere through biological processes, it’s worth noting that it acts as a greenhouse gas with significant global warming potential, about 300 times that of carbon dioxide. This combination of beneficial applications and environmental concerns perfectly illustrates how understanding a gas’s properties helps us balance its utility with responsible use.

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