Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a colorless, odorless gas that is used as an anesthetic and analgesic.
High concentrations of Nitrous Oxide can cause a narcotic effect and may replace oxygen, causing death by asphyxia.
It is also used as a food aerosol in the preparation of whipping cream.
Nitrous oxide (laughing gas), is a commonly used sedative in dentistry and anesthetics, to increase suggestibility and imaginative ability.
At room temperature, N2O is quite un-reactive with most substances, including alkali metals, halogens, and even ozone.
It is therefore widely used as a propellant in aerosol cans in place of the CFCs which can damage the ozone layer.
When heated sufficiently, however, N2O decomposes exothermically to N2 and O2. |