Nitrous Oxide

N₂O

IUPAC: Dinitrogen monoxide

CAS: 10024-97-2

Overview

Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is used as an anesthetic in dentistry and as a propellant in whipped cream cans. It is also a potent greenhouse gas.

Composition

Element Symbol Atoms Atomic Mass
Nitrogen N 2 14.0070
Oxygen O 1 15.9990

Elemental Composition

N
Nitrogen ×2
63.7%
O
Oxygen ×1
36.4%

Uses

  • • Dental anesthetic
  • • Whipped cream propellant
  • • Racing fuel oxidizer

Fun Facts

  • ✦ N₂O was first used recreationally at 'laughing gas parties' in the early 1800s, decades before its medical use

Safety

  • ⚠ Asphyxiant
  • ⚠ Greenhouse gas (300× CO₂)
  • ⚠ Abuse potential

Structure

SMILES

[N-]=[N+]=O

Properties

Type
gas
State
gas
Molar Mass
44.01 g/mol
Density
0.0018 g/cm³
Melting Point
-90.8 °C
Boiling Point
-88.5 °C
Solubility
1.5 g/L at 15°C

Molecular Descriptors

Exact Mass
44.0011
XLogP
0.5
TPSA
19.1 Ų
H-Bond Donors
0
H-Bond Acceptors
2
Rotatable Bonds
0
Heavy Atoms
3
Complexity
25.0

Related Compounds

Boron Trifluoride

BF₃

Nitric Oxide

NO

Ozone

O₃

Phosphine

PH₃

Silane

SiH₄

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nitrous Oxide?
Nitrous Oxide (N₂O) is a gas compound with the IUPAC name Dinitrogen monoxide.
What is the molecular weight of Nitrous Oxide?
Nitrous Oxide has a molar mass of 44.01 g/mol.
What state is Nitrous Oxide at room temperature?
Nitrous Oxide is a gas at room temperature.
Is Nitrous Oxide organic or inorganic?
Nitrous Oxide is classified as an inorganic compound.
What elements make up Nitrous Oxide?
Nitrous Oxide (N₂O) is composed of Nitrogen (N), Oxygen (O).