Nitrous oxide
Identifiers
CAS number	[10024-97-2]
ATC code	N01AX13
SMILES	[N+]([O-])#N
Properties
Molecular formula	N2O
Molar mass	44. CAS registry numbers are unique numerical identifiers for Chemical compounds Polymers biological sequences mixtures and Alloys They are also referred to The Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System is used for the classification of drugs It is controlled by the WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug A section of the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System. A chemical formula is a way of expressing information about the Atoms that constitute a particular Chemical compound, and how the relationship between those atoms changes Molar mass, symbol M, is the Mass of one mole of a substance ( Chemical element or Chemical compound) 0128 g/mol
Appearance	colourless gas
Density	1222. The density of a material is defined as its Mass per unit Volume: \rho = \frac{m}{V} Different materials usually have different 8 kg m-3 (liquid) 1. 8 kg m-3 (gas STP)
Melting point	-90. The melting point of a solid is the temperature range at which it changes state from solid to Liquid. 86 °C (182. 29 K)
Boiling point	-88. The boiling point of a liquid is the temperature at which the Vapor pressure of the liquid equals the environmental pressure surrounding the liquid 48 °C (184. 67 K)
Structure
Molecular shape	linear
Dipole moment	0. Molecular geometry or molecular structure is the three- Dimensional arrangement of the Atoms that constitute a Molecule. In physics there are two kinds of dipoles ( Hellènic: di(s- = two- and pòla = pivot hinge An electric dipole is a 166D
Thermochemistry
Std enthalpy of formation ΔfHo298	+82. The debye (symbol D) is a non- SI, CGS unit of electrical dipole moment. The standard enthalpy of formation or "standard heat of formation" of a compound is the change of Enthalpy that accompanies the formation of 1 mole of a 05
Pharmacology
Routes of administration	Inhalation
Metabolism	0. Inhalation (also known as respiration) is the movement of air from the external environment through the air ways and into the Alveoli. Metabolism is the set of Chemical reactions that occur in living Organisms in order to maintain Life. 004%
Elimination half-life	5 minutes
Excretion	Respiratory
Legal status	{{{legal_status}}}
Hazards
NFPA 704	0 2 0 OX
R-phrases	R8
S-phrases	S38
Related compounds
Related compounds	Nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide, dinitrogen trioxide, dinitrogen tetroxide, dinitrogen pentoxide, nitric acid, nitrous acid
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) Infobox disclaimer and references

Nitrous oxide (aka laughing gas, funny gas or dinitrogen monoxide) is a chemical compound with the chemical formula N₂O. The biological half-life of a substance is the time it takes for a substance (drug radioactive nuclide or other to lose half of its pharmacologic physiologic or radiologic activity Excretion is the process of eliminating waste products of Metabolism and other non-useful materials In living organisms a respiratory system functions to allow Gas exchange. Symbolism The four divisions are typically color-coded with blue indicating level of Health Hazard, red indicating R-phrases (short for Risk Phrases) are defined in Annex III of European Union Directive 67/548/EEC: Nature of special risks attributed to dangerous R-phrases (short for Risk Phrases) are defined in Annex III of European Union Directive 67/548/EEC: Nature of special risks attributed to dangerous S-phrases are defined in Annex IV of European Union Directive 67/548/EEC: Safety advice concerning dangerous substances and preparations. S-phrases are defined in Annex IV of European Union Directive 67/548/EEC: Safety advice concerning dangerous substances and preparations. Nitric oxide or nitrogen monoxide is a Chemical compound with Chemical formula N[[Oxygen O]] Nitrogen dioxide is the Chemical compound with the formula N[[Oxygen O]]2 Dinitrogen trioxide is the Chemical compound with the formula N2O3 Nitrogen tetroxide ( dinitrogen tetroxide or nitrogen peroxide) is the Chemical compound N2O4 Dinitrogen pentoxide is the Chemical compound with the formula N2O5 Nitric acid ( H[[nitrate NO3]] also known as Aqua fortis and spirit of nitre, is a highly corrosive and Nitrous acid (molecular formula H[[Nitrogen N]] O 2 is a weak and monobasic Acid known only in Solution and in the form of Nitrite In Chemistry, the standard state of a material is its state at 1 bar (100 Kilopascals exactly A chemical compound is a substance consisting of two or more different elements chemically bonded together in a fixed proportion by Mass. A chemical formula is a way of expressing information about the Atoms that constitute a particular Chemical compound, and how the relationship between those atoms changes Nitrogen (ˈnaɪtɹəʤɪn is a Chemical element that has the symbol N and Atomic number 7 and Atomic weight 14 Oxygen (from the Greek roots ὀξύς (oxys (acid literally "sharp" from the taste of acids and -γενής (-genēs (producer literally begetteris the At room temperature, it is a colorless non-flammable gas, with a pleasant, slightly sweet odor and taste. Flammability is the ease with which a substance will ignite causing Fire or Combustion. This page is about the physical properties of gas as a state of matter It is used in surgery and dentistry for its anesthetic and analgesic effects. Surgery (from the χειρουργική cheirourgikē, via chirurgiae meaning "hand work" is a medical specialty that uses operative manual and instrumental Dentistry' is the "evaluation diagnosis prevention and/or treatment (nonsurgical surgical or related procedures of diseases disorders and/or conditions of the oral cavity Anesthesia, or anaesthesia (see spelling differences; from Greek grc αν- an-, "without" and grc αἲσθησις It is commonly known as "laughing gas" due to the euphoric effects of inhaling it, a property that has led to its recreational use as an inhalant drug. It is also used in motor racing as an oxidizer to increase the power output of engines. Auto racing (also known as automobile racing, motor racing or car racing) is a Motorsport involving Racing Cars It An oxidizing agent or oxidising agent (also called an oxidant, oxidizer or oxidiser) can be defined as either a Chemical compound A reciprocating engine, also often known as a piston engine, is a Heat engine that uses one or more reciprocating Pistons to convert

Contents 1 Occurrence 2 Manufacture 3 Uses 3.1 Inhalant effects 3.1.1 In medicine 3.1.2 Recreational use 3.2 Aerosol propellant 3.3 Rocket motors 3.4 Internal combustion engine 4 Neuropharmacology 5 Safety 5.1 Chemical/physical 5.2 Biological 5.3 Thermal 6 Legality 7 History 8 References 9 External links

Occurrence

More info on nitrogen oxides. The term nitrogen oxide typically refers to any Binary compound of Oxygen and Nitrogen, or to a mixture of such compounds Nitric

Nitrous oxide, unlike other oxides (apart from carbon dioxide), is a major greenhouse gas. Greenhouse gases are gaseous constituents of the atmosphere bothnatural and anthropogenic that absorb and emit radiation at specific wavelengths within the spectrum of thermal infrared While its radiative warming effect is substantially less than CO₂, nitrous oxide's persistence in the atmosphere, when considered over a 100 year period, per unit of weight, has 310 times more impact on global warming than that per mass unit of carbon dioxide (CO₂). Global warming is the increase in the average measured temperature of the Carbon dioxide ( Chemical formula:) is a Chemical compound composed of two Oxygen Atoms covalently bonded to a single ^[1] Control of nitrous oxide is part of efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions, which is part of the Kyoto Protocol. The Kyoto Protocol is a protocol to the international Framework Convention on Climate Change with the objective of reducing Greenhouse gases in an effort Despite its relatively small concentration in the atmosphere, nitrous oxide is the fourth largest greenhouse gas contributor to overall global warming, behind carbon dioxide, methane and water vapour. Carbon dioxide ( Chemical formula:) is a Chemical compound composed of two Oxygen Atoms covalently bonded to a single Methane is a Chemical compound with the molecular formula. It is the simplest Alkane, and the principal component of Natural gas. (The other nitrogen oxides contribute to global warming indirectly, by contributing to tropospheric ozone production during smog formation).

Nitrous oxide is emitted by bacteria in soils and oceans, and thus has been a part of Earth's atmosphere for aeons. The Bacteria ( singular: bacterium) are a large group of unicellular Microorganisms Typically a few Micrometres in length bacteria have Agriculture is the main source of human-produced nitrous oxide: cultivating soil, the use of nitrogen fertilizers, and animal waste handling can all stimulate naturally occurring bacteria to produce more nitrous oxide. Fertilizers ( also spelt fertiliser are chemical compounds given to Plants to promote growth they are usually applied either through the soil for uptake by plant The livestock sector (primarily cows, chickens, and pigs) produces 65% of human-related nitrous oxide. ^[2] Industrial sources make up only about 20% of all anthropogenic sources, and include the production of nylon and nitric acid, and the burning of fossil fuel in internal combustion engines. Overview Nylon is a Thermoplastic silky material first used commercially in a nylon- Bristled Toothbrush (1938 followed more famously by

Human activity is thought to account for somewhat less than 2 teragrams of nitrogen oxides per year, nature for over 15 teragrams. TERA is a shielded Twisted pair connector for use with Category 7 twisted-pair data cables developed by The Siemon Company and standardized in 2003 by ^[3] The global anthropogenic nitrous oxide flux is about 1 petagram of carbon dioxide carbon-equivalents per year; this compares to 2 petagrams of methane carbon dioxide carbon-equivalents per year, and to an atmospheric loading rate of about 3. 3 petagrams of carbon dioxide carbon-equivalents per year.

Nitrous oxide reacts with ozone in the stratosphere. OZONE is an object oriented Operating system written in the C programming language. The stratosphere is the second major layer of Earth's atmosphere, just above the Troposphere, and below the Mesosphere. Nitrous oxide is the main naturally occurring regulator of stratospheric ozone.

Recent research by Nobel Laureate Paul Crutzen suggests that emissions of nitrous oxide in the production of biofuels are more than enough to offset the advantages that biodiesel was hoped to have in terms of carbon dioxide emissions. Paul Jozef Crutzen (born December 3, 1933, Amsterdam) is a Dutch Nobel prize winning atmospheric chemist. Carbon dioxide ( Chemical formula:) is a Chemical compound composed of two Oxygen Atoms covalently bonded to a single ^[4] Carbon dioxide released during biofuel combustion is considered in fact neutral and thus its contribution as greenhouse gas neglected. The reason is that during the growing phase of the crop utilized for producing the biofuel an equal amount of carbon dioxide is sequestrated from the atmosphere.

Manufacture

Nitrous oxide is most commonly prepared by careful heating of ammonium nitrate, which decomposes into nitrous oxide and water vapor. The Chemical compound ammonium nitrate, the Nitrate of Ammonia with the chemical formula N[[Hydrogen H]]4 N[[Oxygen O]]3 ^[5]

NH₄NO₃(s) → 2 H₂O(g) + N₂O(g)

The addition of various phosphates favors formation of a purer gas at slightly lower temperatures. A phosphate, an Inorganic chemical, is a salt of Phosphoric acid. This reaction occurs between 170 - 240°C, temperatures where ammonium nitrate is a moderately sensitive explosive and a very powerful oxidizer. An explosive material is a material that either is chemically or otherwise Energetically unstable or produces a sudden expansion of the material usually accompanied An oxidizing agent or oxidising agent (also called an oxidant, oxidizer or oxidiser) can be defined as either a Chemical compound At temperatures much above 240 °C the exothermic reaction may accelerate to the point of detonation. An exothermic reaction is a Chemical reaction that releases Heat. Detonation is a process of Supersonic Combustion in which a Shock wave is propagated forward due to energy release in a reaction zone behind it The mixture must be cooled to avoid such a disaster. In practice, the reaction involves a series of tedious adjustments to control the temperature to within a narrow range. Professionals have destroyed whole neighborhoods by losing control (of the temperature and pressure in the ammonium nitrate retorts) in commercial scale processes. Examples include the Ohio Chemical debacle in Montreal, 1966 and the Air Products & Chemicals, Inc. Montreal, or Montréal in French ( pronounced in French, in English) is the largest city in the Canadian province of Quebec disaster in Delaware City, Delaware, 1977. Delaware City is a city in New Castle County, Delaware, United States. Superheated steam is used to reach reaction temperature in some turnkey production plants. ^[6]

Downstream, the hot, corrosive mixture of gases must be cooled to condense the steam and filtered to remove higher oxides of nitrogen. Also ammonium nitrate smoke, in an extremely persistent colloid will likely have to be removed. The cleanup is often done in a train of 3 gas washes; namely base, acid and base again. Any significant amounts of nitric oxide (NO) may not necessarily be absorbed directly by the base (sodium hydroxide) washes.

The nitric oxide impurity is sometimes chelated out with ferrous sulfate, reduced with iron metal, or oxidised and absorbed in base as a higher oxide. Iron(II sulfate or ferrous sulfate is the Chemical compound with the formula ( Fe[[Sulfur S]] O 4 The first base wash may (or may not) react out much of the ammonium nitrate smoke, however this reaction generates ammonia gas, which may have to be absorbed in the acid wash.

The direct oxidation of ammonia may someday rival the ammonium nitrate pyrolysis synthesis of nitrous oxide mentioned above. Ammonia is a compound with the formula N[[hydrogen H3]] It is normally encountered as a Gas with a characteristic pungent Odor Pyrolysis is the Chemical decomposition of organic materials by heating in the absence of Oxygen or any other reagents except possibly Steam This capital-intensive process, which originates in Japan, uses a manganese dioxide-bismuth oxide catalyst:^[7]

2 NH₃ + 2 O₂ → N₂O + 3 H₂O

Higher oxides of nitrogen are formed as impurities. Manganese(IV oxide is the Chemical compound MnO2 commonly called manganese dioxide. Bismuth(III oxide is the most industrially important compound of Bismuth. In comparison, uncatalyzed ammonia oxidation (i. Catalysis is the process in which the rate of a Chemical reaction is increased by means of a Chemical substance known as a catalyst e. combustion or explosion) goes primarily to N₂ and H₂O.

Nitrous oxide can be made by heating a solution of sulfamic acid and nitric acid. Sulfamic acid, also known as amidosulfonic acid, amidosulfuric acid, aminosulfonic acid, and sulfamidic acid, is a molecular compound with Nitric acid ( H[[nitrate NO3]] also known as Aqua fortis and spirit of nitre, is a highly corrosive and A lot of gas was made this way in Bulgaria. ^[8]

HNO₃ + NH₂SO₃H → N₂O + H₂SO₄ + H₂O

There is no explosive hazard in this reaction if the mixing rate is controlled. However, as usual, toxic higher oxides of nitrogen form.

Nitrous oxide is produced in large volumes as a by-product in the synthesis of adipic acid; one of the two reactants used in nylon manufacture. Adipic acid ( IUPAC Systematic name: hexanedioic acid) is a di Carboxylic acid. ^[9][10] This might become a major commercial source, but will require the removal of higher oxides of nitrogen and organic impurities. Currently much of the gas is decomposed before release for environmental protection. Greener processes may prevail that substitute hydrogen peroxide for nitric acid oxidation; hence no generation of oxide of nitrogen by-products. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2 is a very pale blue liquid which appears colorless in a dilute solution slightly more Viscous than water

Hydroxylammonium chloride can react with sodium nitrite to produce N₂O as well:

NH₃OH⁺Cl⁻ + NaNO₂ → N₂O + NaCl + H₂O

If the nitrite is added to the hydroxylamine solution, the only remaining byproduct is salt water. Hydroxylammonium chloride is the Hydrochloric acid salt of Hydroxylamine. Sodium nitrite, with Chemical formula Na[[Nitrogen N]] O 2 is used as a Color fixative and Preservative in meats and However, if the hydroxylamine solution is added to the nitrite solution (nitrite is in excess), then toxic higher oxides of nitrogen are also formed.

Uses

Inhalant effects

Nitrous oxide (N₂O) is a dissociative drug that can cause analgesia, depersonalization, derealization, dizziness, euphoria, sound distortion and slight hallucinations. A dissociative is a drug which reduces (or blocks signals to the conscious mind from other parts of the brain typically but not necessarily limited to the Senses Such Depersonalization (or depersonalisation) is an 'alteration' in the perception or experience of the self so that one feels 'detached' from and as if one is an 'outside' observer Derealization ( DR) is an alteration in the perception or experience of the external world so that it seems strange or unreal Many different terms are often used to describe what is collectively known as dizziness. Euphoria is a medically recognized emotional state related to Pleasure and Happiness. A hallucination, in the broadest sense is a Perception in the absence of a stimulus.

In medicine

Previously, nitrous oxide was typically administered by dentists through a demand-valve inhaler over the nose that only releases gas when the patient inhales through the nose; full-face masks are not commonly used by dentists, so that the patient's mouth can be worked on while the patient continues to inhale the gas. Current use involves constant supply flowmeters which allow the proportion of nitrous oxide and the combined gas flow rate to be individually adjusted. The masks still obviously cover only the nose.

Because nitrous oxide is minimally metabolized, it retains its potency when exhaled into the room by the patient and can pose an intoxicating and prolonged-exposure hazard to the clinic staff if the room is poorly ventilated. Where nitrous oxide is administered, a continuous-flow fresh-air ventilation system or nitrous-scavenging system is used to prevent waste gas buildup.

Nitrous oxide is a weak general anesthetic, and so is generally not used alone in general anesthesia. In general anesthesia it is used as a carrier gas in a 2:1 ratio with oxygen for more powerful general anesthetic agents such as sevoflurane or desflurane. Sevoflurane (222-trifluoro-1-ethyl fluoromethyl ether also called fluoromethyl hexafluoroisopropyl ether, is a sweet-smelling non-flammable highly fluorinated methyl isopropyl Desflurane (222-trifluoro-1-fluoroethyl-difluoromethyl ether is a highly fluorinated methyl ethyl ether used for maintenance of General anaesthesia. It has a MAC (minimum alveolar concentration) of 105% and a blood:gas partition coefficient of 0. Minimum alveolar concentration or MAC is a concept used to compare the strengths of anaesthetic vapours; in simple terms it is defined as the concentration of 46. Less than 0. 004% is metabolised in humans.

Recreational use

Since the earliest uses of nitrous oxide for medical or dental purposes, it has also been used recreationally as an inhalant, because it causes euphoria and slight hallucinations. Only a small number of recreational users (such as dental office workers or medical gas technicians) have legal access to pure nitrous oxide canisters that are intended for medical or dental use. Most recreational users obtain nitrous oxide from compressed gas containers which use nitrous oxide as a propellant for whipped cream or from automotive nitrous systems. Automotive nitrous available to the public sometimes has ~100 ppm Sulfur dioxide and/or elemental sulfur added to prevent recreational use/abuse; (not hydrogen sulfide as suggested by^[11]). Sulfur or sulphur (ˈsʌlfɚ see spelling below) is the Chemical element that has the Atomic number 16 Hydrogen sulfide (or hydrogen sulphide) is the Chemical compound with the formula H 2 S. Inhalation of such a mixture is nearly impossible after one breath due to gagging and sooner or later, involuntary clamping off of the trachea; (some with "sulfite" allergies could even die due to allergic reaction).

Users typically inflate a balloon or a plastic bag with nitrous oxide and inhale the gas for its effects, or they use a whipped cream canister which upon charge releases the gas into the canister before use. Nitrous oxide expelled directly from a tank or canister would severely damage the user's lungs due to its extremely cold exiting temperature due to the sudden expansion. By allowing the gas to expand in a balloon, bag or a whipped cream canister, the final output temperature of the gas is raised immensely. While nitrous oxide is not a dangerous substance per se, recreational users typically do not mix it with air or oxygen (a 70/30 mix of nitrous oxide and oxygen, respectively (which is the same amount of oxygen in normal air) is standard procedure in a dentist's office) and thus may risk injury, or in worst case: death, from lack of oxygen (anoxia). Chronic Hypoxia is a pathological condition in which the body as a whole ( generalized hypoxia) or region of the body ( tissue hypoxia) is deprived of adequate Nitrous oxide, when inhaled using a home made system consisting of a mask and/or regulator, presents the highest potential danger due to the automatic, continuous application. This may in turn prevent adequate oxygen from reaching the user, rendering him unconscious, subsequently leading to death due to asphyxiation. Inhaling nitrous oxide in conjunction with an alkyl nitrite (aka poppers) is in some circles referred to as "space surfing", as the nitrous oxide acts synergistically with the alkyl nitrite to create strong (but short-lived) euphoria, analgesia, dissociation, and in some cases, sensations of internal movement or agitation. Alkyl nitrites are Chemical compounds of structure R-ONO Formally they are Alkyl Esters of Nitrous acid. Poppers is the Street term for various Alkyl nitrites taken for recreational purposes through direct inhalation, particularly Amyl nitrite Synergy (from the Greek el-Latn syn-ergo, el συνεργός meaning working together is the term used to describe a situation where the final outcome

The name also comes from the sound distorting effects of nitrous oxide, which some users compare to the sound of waves crashing on a beach (hence "surfing"). While powerful, this is a potentially dangerous combination, as the central nervous system (CNS) depressing effects of the nitrous oxide, combined with the drop in blood pressure (which is characteristic of nitrite inhalant use), may cause hypotension, unconsciousness, or, in the case of extreme overdose, death. In Physiology and Medicine, hypotension refers to an abnormally low Blood pressure. Individuals with cardiac conditions, complications arising from stroke or surgery, or chronically low blood pressure are advised not to use these two drugs simultaneously.

Nitrous oxide is used as a whipping agent due to the ease with which it migrates into and out of oils; only a few seconds of rapid shaking is enough to migrate the gas into the oily cream under pressure. Due to this ability, nitrous also easily moves throughout the body, into and out of cells, because cell membranes are oil-based lipids. Prolonged inhalation of high concentrations of nitrous oxide will cause it to migrate throughout the body into sinus cavities, the digestive tract, and into fat cells.

An inactive person who has breathed high concentrations for 20-30 minutes but then breathes normally will still retain the gas in his body at low doses as the gas slowly migrates back out of these internal cavities. Even after several hours of not breathing the gas, sudden rapid whole-body movements such as calisthenics causes the dissolved gas to suddenly begin migrating out of fat cells, resulting in a latent dosing effect.

Nitrous oxide can be habit-forming because of its short-lived effect (generally from 0. 1 - 1 minutes in recreational doses) and ease of access. Death can result if it is inhaled in such a way that too little oxygen is breathed in. While the pure gas is generally not toxic, long-term use in excessive quantities has been associated with vitamin B12 deficiency anemia due to reduced hemopoiesis, neuropathy, tinnitus, and numbness in extremities. Anemia ( AmE) or anæmia/anaemia ( BrE) (from the Ancient Greek grc-Latn anaîmia, meaning “without blood” is defined as a qualitative Haematopoiesis (from Ancient Greek haima blood poiesis to make (or hematopoiesis in the United States sometimes also haemopoiesis or Neuropathy is a medical term usually short for Peripheral neuropathy. Tinnitus (tɪˈnaɪtəs or /ˈtɪnɪtəs/ from the Latin word for " Ringing " is the perception of sound within the human ear in the absence of corresponding Paresthesia (pron /ˌpɛɹɪsˈθiʒə/ paraesthesia in British English, pron Harmful irreversible effects that may be caused by abuse of nitrous oxide include peripheral neuropathies and limb spasms. ^[12] Pregnant women should not use nitrous oxide as chronic use is teratogenic and foetotoxic. Teratology stems from the Greek ( Genitive) meaning monster, or marvel and, meaning word, speech. A fetus (or foetus or fœtus) is a developing Mammal or other Viviparous Vertebrate, after the Embryonic stage and One study in rats found that long term exposure to high doses of nitrous oxide may lead to Olney's lesions. Olney's lesions, also known as NMDA receptor antagonist Neurotoxicity (NAN are a form of Brain damage caused by high Doses of Dissociative ^[13]

Aerosol propellant

The gas is approved for use as a food additive (also known as E942), specifically as an aerosol spray propellant. Food additives are substances added to food to preserve flavour or improve its taste and appearance Aerosol spray is a type of dispensing system which creates an aerosol mist of liquid particles Its most common uses in this context are in aerosol whipped cream canisters, cooking sprays, and as an inert gas used to displace bacteria-inducing oxygen when filling packages of potato chips and other similar snack foods. Cream with 30% or more fat can be turned into whipped cream by mixing it with air Cooking spray is a spray form of various types of oils combined with Lecithin, an emulsifier and a propellent such as food-grade alcohol Nitrous oxide, Carbon A potato chip or crisp is a thin slice of Potato, deep fried or baked until Crisp.

The gas is extremely soluble in fatty compounds. In aerosol whipped cream, it is dissolved in the fatty cream until it leaves the can, when it becomes gaseous and thus creates foam. Used in this way, it produces whipped cream four times the volume of the liquid, whereas whipping air into cream only produces twice the volume. If air were used as a propellant, under increased pressure the oxygen would accelerate rancidification of the butterfat, while nitrous oxide inhibits such degradation. Rancidification is the decomposition of Fats Oils and other Lipids by Hydrolysis or Oxidation, or both Carbon dioxide cannot be used as a propellant for whipped cream because carbon dioxide creates an acid environment in water, which would curdle the cream.

However, the whipped cream produced with nitrous oxide is unstable, and will return to a more or less liquid state within half an hour to one hour. Thus, the method is not suitable for decorating food that will not be immediately served. Similarly, cooking spray, which is made from various types of oils combined with lecithin (an emulsifier), may use nitrous oxide as a propellant; other propellants used in cooking spray include food-grade alcohol and propane. Cooking spray is a spray form of various types of oils combined with Lecithin, an emulsifier and a propellent such as food-grade alcohol Nitrous oxide, Carbon Lecithin is any of a group of yellow-brownish fatty substances occurring in animal and plant tissues and in egg yolk composed of Phosphoric acid, Choline, An emulsion ( IPA: /ɪˈmʌlʃən/ is a mixture of two Immiscible (unblendable liquids A propellant is a material that is used to move ("propel" an object In Chemistry, an alcohol is any Organic compound in which a Hydroxyl group ( - O[[hydrogen H]]) is bound to a Carbon Propane is a three- Carbon Alkane, normally a gas but compressible to a liquid that is transportable

Users of nitrous oxide often obtain it from whipped cream dispensers that use nitrous oxide as a propellant (see above section), for recreational use as a euphoria-inducing inhalant drug. It is non-harmful in small doses, but risks due to lack of oxygen do exist (see section on "Recreational use" above).

Rocket motors

Nitrous oxide can be used as an oxidizer in a rocket motor. An oxidizing agent or oxidising agent (also called an oxidant, oxidizer or oxidiser) can be defined as either a Chemical compound A rocket or rocket vehicle is a Missile, Aircraft or other Vehicle which obtains Thrust by the reaction of the This has the advantages over other oxidizers that it is non-toxic and, due to its stability at room temperature, easy to store and relatively safe to carry on a flight. As a secondary benefit it can be readily decomposed to form breathing air. Its high density and low storage pressure enable it to be highly competitive with stored high-pressure gas systems.

Nitrous oxide has been the oxidizer of choice in several hybrid rocket designs (using solid fuel with a liquid or gaseous oxidizer). A hybrid rocket propulsion system comprises propellants of two different states of matter the most common configuration being a rocket engine composed of a solid propellant lining The combination of nitrous oxide with hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene fuel has been used by SpaceShipOne and others. Hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB is a polymer of Butadiene terminated at each end with a Hydroxyl Functional group. SpaceShipOne is a Spaceplane that completed the first privately funded Human spaceflight on June 21, 2004. It is also notably used in amateur and high power rocketry with various plastics as the fuel. Amateur rocketry, sometimes known as amateur experimental rocketry or experimental rocketry is a hobby in which participants experiment with fuels and make their own High-power rocketry is a hobby similar to model rocketry, with the major difference being that higher impulse range motors are used Plastic is the general common term for a wide range of synthetic or semisynthetic organic solid materials suitable for the manufacture of industrial products An episode of MythBusters featured a hybrid rocket built using a paraffin/powdered carbon mixture as its solid fuel and nitrous oxide as its oxidizer. MythBusters is a Popular science Television program produced by Australian firm Beyond Television Productions originally for the In chemistry paraffin is the common name for the Alkane Hydrocarbons with the general formula C n H2 n +2

Nitrous oxide can also be used in a monopropellant rocket. A Monopropellant rocket (or " monoprop rocket " is a Rocket that uses a single chemical as its power source and propellant In the presence of a heated catalyst, N₂O will decompose exothermically into nitrogen and oxygen, at a temperature of approximately 1300 °C. Catalysis is the process in which the rate of a Chemical reaction is increased by means of a Chemical substance known as a catalyst Because of the large heat release the catalytic action rapidly becomes secondary as thermal autodecomposition becomes dominant. In a vacuum thruster, this can provide a monopropellant specific impulse (I_sp) of as much as 180s. Specific impulse (usually abbreviated I sp is a way to describe the efficiency of rocket and jet engines While noticeably less than the I_sp available from hydrazine thrusters (monopropellant or bipropellant with nitrogen tetroxide), the decreased toxicity makes nitrous oxide an option worth investigating. Hydrazine is a Chemical compound with the formula N2H4 It has an Ammonia -like odor and is derived from the same industrial chemistry A bipropellant rocket engine is a Rocket engine that uses two propellants (very often liquid propellants) which are kept separately prior to reacting to form a hot Nitrogen tetroxide ( dinitrogen tetroxide or nitrogen peroxide) is the Chemical compound N2O4 Because of its release of very high temperature oxygen as a monopropellant the addition of even small amounts of a fuel such as hydrogen rapidly increases the specific impulse and the high oxygen temperatures simplify ignition of the fuel. I_sp greater than 340 seconds can be readily achieved. Its low freezing point also eases thermal management as compared to hydrazine -- a valuable property on a spacecraft which may contain quantities of cryogenic propellant.

Internal combustion engine

Main article: Nitrous

In vehicle racing, nitrous oxide (often referred to as just "nitrous" in this context to differ from the acronym NOS which is the brand Nitrous Oxide Systems) is sometimes injected into the intake manifold (or prior to the intake manifold), some systems directly inject right before the cylinder (direct port injection) to increase power. Nitrous is an often used abbreviation for the chemical compound nitrous oxide (N2O also referred to as NOS. Types of racing Unassisted human racing Using only the Human body 's own Muscles Running: Cross country Nitrous is an often used abbreviation for the chemical compound nitrous oxide (N2O also referred to as NOS. The gas itself is not flammable, but it delivers more oxygen than atmospheric air by breaking down at elevated temperatures, allowing the engine to burn more fuel and air and resulting in more powerful combustion. Oxygen (from the Greek roots ὀξύς (oxys (acid literally "sharp" from the taste of acids and -γενής (-genēs (producer literally begetteris the Nitrous oxide is stored as a compressed liquid; the evaporation and expansion of liquid nitrous oxide in the intake manifold causes a large drop in intake charge temperature, resulting in a denser charge, further allowing more air/fuel mixture to enter the cylinder. The enthalpy of vaporization, (symbol \Delta{}_{v}H also known as the heat of vaporization or heat of evaporation, is the Energy required In Automotive engineering, an intake manifold or inlet manifold is the part of an Engine that supplies the Fuel / Air mixture to The lower temperature can also reduce detonation. Knocking (also called knock, detonation or spark knock, pinking in UK English or pinging in US English in spark-ignition

The same technique was used during World War II by Luftwaffe aircraft with the GM 1 system to boost the power output of aircraft engines. World War II, or the Second World War, (often abbreviated WWII) was a global military conflict which involved a majority of the world's nations, including ( German 'luftvafe is a generic German term for an Air force. GM-1 (Göring Mischung 1 colloquially known as Haha-Gerät (Ha-Ha Device was a system for injecting Nitrous oxide (laughing gas into Aircraft engines An aircraft engine is a Propulsion system for an Aircraft. Aircraft engines are almost always a type of lightweight Internal combustion engine. Originally meant to provide the Luftwaffe standard aircraft with superior high-altitude performance, technological considerations limited its use to extremely high altitudes. Accordingly, it was only used by specialized planes like high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft, high-speed bombers and high-altitude interceptors. Surveillance aircraft are military Aircraft used for monitoring enemy activity usually carrying no armament A Schnellbomber (German literally fast bomber) is the concept of a high-speed bomber aircraft developed in the 1930s when it was believed An interceptor aircraft (or simply interceptor) is a type of Fighter aircraft designed specifically to intercept and destroy enemy Aircraft, particularly

One of the major problems of using nitrous oxide in a reciprocating engine is that it can produce enough power to damage or destroy the engine. Very large power increases are possible, and if the mechanical structure of the engine is not properly reinforced, the engine may be severely damaged or destroyed during this kind of operation. It is very important with nitrous oxide augmentation of internal combustion engines to maintain proper operating temperatures and fuel levels to prevent preignition, or detonation (sometimes referred to as knocking or pinging). The internal combustion engine is an engine in which the Combustion of Fuel and an Oxidizer (typically air occurs in a confined space called a

Neuropharmacology

Nitrous oxide shares many pharmacological similarities with other inhaled anesthetics, but there are a number of differences. Nitrous oxide is relatively non-polar, has a low molecular weight, and high lipid solubility. "Polar molecule" and "Non-polar" redirect here The molecular mass (abbreviated m of a substance, more commonly referred to as molecular weight and abbreviated as MW, is the Mass of one As a result it can quickly diffuse into phospholipid cell membranes. Phospholipids are a class of Lipids and are a major component of all Biological membranes All phospholipids contain a Diglyceride, a Phosphate The cell membrane (also called the plasma membrane, plasmalemma, or "phospholipid bilayer" is a Selectively permeable Lipid bilayer

Like many classical anesthetics, the exact mechanism of action is still open to some conjecture. It antagonizes the NMDA receptor at partial pressures similar to those used in general anaesthesia. NMDA receptor antagonists are a class of Anesthetics that work to antagonize, or inhibit the action of the N-methyl d-aspartate receptor ( NMDAR The evidence on the effect of N₂O on GABA-A currently is mixed, but tends to show a lower potency potentiation. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA is the chief inhibitory Neurotransmitter in the Mammalian Central nervous system. ^[14] N₂O, like other volatile anesthetics, activates twin-pore potassium channels, albeit weakly. The volatile anaesthetics are a class of General anaesthetic drugs In the field of Cell biology, potassium channels are the most widely distributed type of Ion channel and are found in virtually all living organisms These channels are largely responsible for keeping neurons at the resting (unexcited) potential. ^[15] Unlike many anesthetics, however, N₂O does not seem to affect calcium channels. A Calcium channel is an Ion channel which displays selective permeabiltiy to Calcium ions ^[14]

Unlike most general anesthetics, N₂O appears to affect the GABA receptor. In many behavioral tests of anxiety, a low dose of N₂O is a successful anxiolytic. Anxiety is a physiological and psychological state characterized by Cognitive, Somatic, Emotional and Behavioral components An anxiolytic is a drug prescribed for the treatment of Symptoms of Anxiety. This anti-anxiety effect is partially reversed by benzodiazepine receptor antagonists. The benzodiazepines (pronounced, often abbreviated to "benzos") are a class of Psychoactive drugs with varying Hypnotic A receptor antagonist is a type of receptor ligand or Drug that does not provoke a biological response itself upon binding to a receptor, but blocks Mirroring this, animals which have developed tolerance to the anxiolytic effects of benzodiazepines are partially tolerant to nitrous oxide. ^[16] Indeed, in humans given 30% N₂O, benzodiazepine receptor antagonists reduced the subjective reports of feeling “high”, but did not alter psycho-motor performance. ^[17]

The effects of N₂O seem linked to the interaction between the endogenous opioid system and the descending noradrenergic system. An opioid is a chemical Substance that has a Morphine -like action in the body Norepinephrine ( INN) (abbreviated norepi or NE) or noradrenaline ( BAN) (abbreviated NA or NAd) is a When animals are given morphine chronically they develop tolerance to its analgesic (pain killing) effects; this also renders the animals tolerant to the analgesic effects of N₂O. Medical uses Morphine can be used as an analgesic in hospital settings to relieve pain in Myocardial infarction pain in ^[18] Administration of antibodies which bind and block the activity of some endogenous opioids (not beta-endorphin), also block the antinociceptive effects of N₂O. Antibodies (also known as immunoglobulins, abbreviated Ig) are Gamma globulin Proteins that are found in Blood or other Bodily Beta- Endorphin is an Endogenous Opioid Peptide Neurotransmitter found in the Neurons of both the central and ^[19] Drugs which inhibit the breakdown of endogenous opioids also potentiate the antinociceptive effects of N₂O. ^[19] Several experiments have shown that opioid receptor antagonists applied directly to the brain block the antinociceptive effects of N₂O, but these drugs have no effect when injected into the spinal cord. The spinal cord is a long thin tubular bundle of Nerves that is an extension of the Central nervous system from the brain and is enclosed in and protected

Conversely, alpha-adrenoreceptor antagonists block the antinociceptive effects of N₂O when given directly to the spinal cord, but not when applied directly to the brain. The adrenergic receptors (or adrenoceptors) are a class of G protein-coupled receptors that are targets of the Catecholamines Adrenergic receptors ^[20] Indeed, alpha2B-adrenoreceptor knockout mice or animals depleted in noradrenaline are nearly completely resistant to the antinociceptive effects of N₂O. ^[21] It seems N₂O-induced release of endogenous opioids causes disinhibition of brain stem noradrenergic neurons, which release norepinephrine into the spinal cord and inhibit pain signaling (Maze, M. The brain stem (or brainstem) is the lower part of the Brain, adjoining and structurally continuous with the Spinal cord. Norepinephrine ( INN) (abbreviated norepi or NE) or noradrenaline ( BAN) (abbreviated NA or NAd) is a and M. Fujinaga, 2000). Exactly how N₂O causes the release of opioids is still uncertain.

Safety

The major safety hazards of nitrous oxide come from the fact that it is a compressed liquified gas, an asphyxiation risk, and a dissociative anaesthetic. A dissociative is a drug which reduces (or blocks signals to the conscious mind from other parts of the brain typically but not necessarily limited to the Senses Such Anesthesia, or anaesthesia (see spelling differences; from Greek grc αν- an-, "without" and grc αἲσθησις Exposure to nitrous oxide causes short-term decreases in mental performance, audiovisual ability, and manual dexterity. ^[22]

A study of workers^[23] and several experimental animal studies^{[24][25][26][27]} indicate that adverse reproductive effects may also result from chronic exposure to nitrous oxide.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommends that workers' exposure to nitrous oxide should be controlled during the administration of anesthetic gas in medical, dental, and veterinary operatories. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (or NIOSH) is the United States federal agency responsible for conducting research and making recommendations ^[28]

Chemical/physical

At room temperature (20°C) the saturated vapour pressure is 58. 5 bar, rising up to 72. 45 bar at 36. 4°C -- the critical temperature. The critical temperature, Tc of a material is the Temperature above which distinct Liquid and Gas phases do not exist The pressure curve is thus unusually sensitive to temperature. ^[29] Liquid nitrous oxide acts as a good solvent for many organic compounds; liquid mixtures and may form shock sensitive explosives. An organic compound is any member of a large class of Chemical compounds whose Molecules contain Carbon.

As with many strong oxidisers, contamination of parts with fuels have been implicated in rocketry accidents, where small quantities of nitrous / fuel mixtures explode due to 'water hammer' like effects (sometimes called 'dieseling' -- heating due to adiabatic compression of gases can reach decomposition temperatures). ^[30] Some common building materials such as stainless steel and aluminum can act as fuels with strong oxidisers such as nitrous oxide, as can contaminants, which can ignite due to adiabatic compression. ^[31]

There have also been accidents where nitrous oxide decomposition in plumbing has led to the explosion of large tanks. ^[32]

Biological

Nitrous oxide activates the cobalamin form of vitamin B₁₂ by oxidation. Symptoms of vitamin B₁₂ deficiency, including sensory neuropathy, myelopathy, and encephalopathy, can occur within days or weeks of exposure to nitrous oxide anesthesia in people with subclinical vitamin B₁₂ deficiency. Neuropathy is a medical term usually short for Peripheral neuropathy. Spinal cord injury causes myelopathy or damage to white matter or myelinated fiber tracts that carry sensation and motor signals to and from the brain Encephalopathy /ɛnˌsɛfəˈlɒpəθi/ literally means Disease of the Brain. Anesthesia, or anaesthesia (see spelling differences; from Greek grc αν- an-, "without" and grc αἲσθησις Symptoms are treated with high doses of vitamin B₁₂, but recovery can be slow and incomplete. People with normal vitamin B₁₂ levels have sufficient vitamin B₁₂ stores to make the effects of nitrous oxide insignificant, unless exposure is repeated and prolonged (nitrous oxide abuse). Vitamin B₁₂ levels should be checked in people with risk factors for vitamin B₁₂ deficiency prior to using nitrous oxide anesthesia.

Nitrous oxide has also been shown to induce early stages of Olney's lesions in the brains of rats. Olney's lesions, also known as NMDA receptor antagonist Neurotoxicity (NAN are a form of Brain damage caused by high Doses of Dissociative However none of the lesions found were irreversible. ^[13]

Thermal

Compressed nitrous oxide is usually stored at room temperature, but as the gas expands it quickly cools to sub-zero temperatures via the Joule-Thomson Effect. In Physics, the Joule–Thomson effect or Joule–Kelvin effect describes the Temperature change of a gas or liquid when it is forced through a Valve A leak or unexpected release of compressed nitrous oxide can result in an immediate and severe burn. A burn is a type of Injury that may be caused by Heat, cold, Electricity, Chemicals, Light, Radiation, or

Legality

In the United States, possession of nitrous oxide is legal under federal law and is not subject to DEA purview. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the The Drug Enforcement Administration ( DEA) is a United States Department of Justice Law enforcement agency tasked with combating drug smuggling and ^[33] It is, however, regulated by the Food and Drug Administration under the Food Drug and Cosmetics Act; prosecution is possible under its "misbranding" clauses, prohibiting the sale or distribution of nitrous oxide for the purpose of human consumption. Recreational drug use is the use of Psychoactive drugs for Recreational purposes rather than for work, medical or spiritual purposes

Many states have laws regulating the possession, sale, and distribution of nitrous oxide; but these are normally limited to either banning distribution to minors, or to setting an upper limit for the amount of nitrous oxide that may be sold without special license, rather than banning possession or distribution completely. In most jurisdictions, like at the federal level, sale or distribution for the purpose of recreational consumption is illegal. ^[33] In some countries, it is illegal to have nitrous oxide systems plumbed into an engine's intake manifold. These laws are ostensibly used to prevent street racing and meet emissions standards. Street racing is a form of unsanctioned and illegal Auto racing which takes place on Public roads Street racing can either be spontaneous or well-planned

Laughing gas is entirely legal to possess and inhale in the United Kingdom. ^[34] However it is an offence under the Medicines Act to supply it for inhalation. ^[35] This statement would seemingly prohibit all non-medicinal uses of the chemical, though it is implied that only recreational use will be legally targeted.

History

The gas was first synthesized by English chemist and natural philosopher Joseph Priestley in 1775 [2], who called it phlogisticated nitrous air (see phlogiston). Joseph Priestley (13 March 1733 ( Old The phlogiston theory (from the Ancient Greek φλογιστόν phlŏgistón "burning up" from φλόξ phlóx "fire" first stated Priestley describes the preparation of "nitrous air diminished" by heating iron filings dampened with nitric acid in Experiments and Observations on Different Kinds of Air, (1775). Nitric acid ( H[[nitrate NO3]] also known as Aqua fortis and spirit of nitre, is a highly corrosive and Priestley was delighted with his discovery: "I have now discovered an air five or six times as good as common air. . . nothing I ever did has surprised me more, or is more satisfactory. "^[36] Humphry Davy in the 1790s tested the gas on himself and some of his friends, including the poets Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Robert Southey. Sir Humphry Davy 1st Baronet FRS MRIA (17 December 1778 &ndash 29 May 1829 was a British Chemist and inventor Samuel Taylor Coleridge ( 21 October 1772 &ndash 25 July 1834) was an English Poet, Critic and philosopher Robert Southey ( August 12, 1774 &ndash March 21, 1843) was an English Poet of the Romantic school one

They realised that nitrous oxide considerably dulled the sensation of pain, even if the inhaler were still semi-conscious. After it was publicized extensively by Gardner Quincy Colton in the United States in the 1840s, it came into use as an anaesthetic, particularly by dentists, who do not typically have access to the services of an anesthesiologist and who may benefit from a patient who can respond to verbal commands. Gardner Quincy Colton (February 17 1814 Georgia Vermont – August 9 1898 Rotterdam) was an American showman lecturer and former medical student who pioneered An anaesthetist ( English) or anesthesiologist ( US English) also "anaesthesiologist" is a medical doctor trained to administer

References

External links

• Occupational Safety and Health Guideline for Nitrous Oxide
• Paul Crutzen Interview Freeview video of Paul Crutzen Nobel Laureate for his work on decomposition of ozone talking to Harry Kroto Nobel Laureate by the Vega Science Trust.
• National Pollutant Inventory - Oxide of nitrogen fact sheet
• Nitrous Oxide Specs Extremely thorough Nitrous Oxide Facts
• National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health - Nitrous Oxide

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