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Silicates, borates and other salts

Nitrous oxide

Also known as Laughing gas, Dinitrogen oxide, Dinitrogen monoxide

CAS 10024-97-2Formula N2OMolar mass 44.01 g/molEC 233-032-0
GHS signal word: Danger. Pictograms: Oxidiser, Gas under pressure, Harmful or irritant 81 suppliers listed Drug substance
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Nitrous oxide chemical structure, N2O, CAS 10024-97-2
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

All properties
Appearance
Colorless gas [Note: Shipped as a liquified compressed gas]
Melting point
-90.8 °C
Boiling point
-88.5 °C
Density
1.799 g/L
Solubility
Slightly soluble in water
HS code
285000
Category
Silicates, borates and other salts
UN number
UN 1070
Illustrative photo, a bundle of gas cylinders on a manifold in a chemical plant
Typical packagingIllustrative packaging image, not the actual product

What is Nitrous oxide?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

Dinitrogen oxide is a nitrogen oxide consisting of linear unsymmetrical molecules with formula N2O. While it is the most used gaseous anaesthetic in the world, its major commercial use, due to its solubility under pressure in vegetable fats combined with its non-toxicity in low concentrations, is as an aerosol spray propellant and aerating agent for canisters of 'whipped' cream. It has a role as an analgesic, a vasodilator agent, a general anaesthetic, an inhalation anaesthetic, a NMDA receptor antagonist, a member of greenhouse gas, a bacterial metabolite, a raising agent, a member of food packaging gas, a food propellant and a refrigerant. It is a gas molecular entity and a nitrogen oxide.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
nitrous oxide
CAS number
10024-97-2 CAS number cross-checkedOther or deprecated CAS: 100240-04-8, 97485-25-1
EC number
233-032-0
Molecular formula
N2O
UNII
K50XQU1029
INCI name
NITROUS OXIDE
InChIKey
GQPLMRYTRLFLPF-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/N2O/c1-2-3
SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
[N-]=[N+]=O

Synonyms

  • Laughing gas
  • Dinitrogen oxide
  • Dinitrogen monoxide
  • Factitious air
  • nitrogen protoxide
  • Nitrogen oxide (N2O)
  • Hyponitrous acid anhydride
  • Nitrogen hypoxide
  • Stickdioxyd
  • oxyde nitreux
  • Oxido nitroso
  • Gas, Laughing
  • protoxyde d'azote
  • Nitrous oxide, compressed
  • Oxide, Nitrous
  • Distickstoffmonoxid
  • Nitrogenum oxygenatum
  • Protoxide of nitrogen
  • Dinitrogenii oxidum
  • Nitrogen oxide (n(sub 2)o)
  • INS NO.942
  • diazooxidane
  • Nitroux Oxide
  • Nitrous Oxide Sedara
  • Nitrous Oxide, USP
Show all 34 synonyms
  • Lachgas
  • gaz hilarant
  • Diazyne 1-oxide
  • Stickstoff(I)-oxid
  • Nitrous oxide, refrigerated liquid
  • nitrogenium oxydulatum
  • Nitrous-15N2 oxide
  • Nitrous oxide [Anaesthetics, volatile]
  • oxidodinitrogen(N--N)

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values and descriptors computed from the structure

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values, check the supplier specification for your grade

Appearance
Colorless gas [Note: Shipped as a liquified compressed gas]exp.
Odour
Slightly sweetishexp.
Taste
Slightly sweetishexp.
Melting point
-90.8 °Cexp.
Boiling point
-88.5 °Cexp.
Density
1.799 g/Lexp.
Solubility
Slightly soluble in waterexp.
Vapour pressure
4.29 × 10⁺⁴ mm Hg at 25 °Cexp.

Values vary by grade. Ask suppliers for the COA or TDS of the batch you buy.

Computed descriptors

Calculated from the structure, useful for screening and formulation

Molecular weight
44.01 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
44.0011 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
-0.16calc.
Topological polar surface area
53.47 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
0calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
1calc.
Rotatable bonds
0calc.
Heavy atoms
3calc.
Rings
0calc.
Aromatic rings
0calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
0calc.
Formal charge
0calc.
Stereocentres
0calc.

Calculated for screening. Confirm critical figures with the supplier.

Safety and hazards

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet

GHS signal word
Danger
GHS03: Oxidiser
Oxidiser
GHS04: Gas under pressure
Gas under pressure
GHS07: Harmful or irritant
Harmful or irritant

Hazard statements

  • H270May cause or intensify fire, oxidiser.
  • H280Contains gas under pressure, may explode if heated.
  • H281Contains refrigerated gas, may cause cryogenic burns or injury.
  • H336May cause drowsiness or dizziness.
Precautionary statements (14)
  • P220Keep away from clothing and other combustible materials.
  • P244Keep valves and fittings free from oil and grease.
  • P261Avoid breathing dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P271Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
  • P282Wear cold insulating gloves and either face shield or eye protection.
  • P304 + P340If inhaled: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
  • P319Get medical help if you feel unwell.
  • P336 + P317Thaw frosted parts with lukewarm water. Do not rub affected area. Get medical help.
  • P370 + P376In case of fire: Stop leak if safe to do so.
  • P403Store in a well-ventilated place.
  • P403 + P233Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed.
  • P405Store locked up.
  • P410 + P403Protect from sunlight. Store in a well-ventilated place.
  • P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.
UN number
UN 1070
Transport hazard class
2.2

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet (SDS). Classifications can differ by supplier, grade and concentration. Always check the supplier's SDS.

Full safety data and first aid

Nitrous oxide suppliers

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All 81 suppliers
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Where suppliers are based

81 suppliers in 30 countries

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Nitrous oxide price

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Uses and applications

What the substance is used for, by industry and function

To oxidize organic compounds at temperatures greater than 300 °C, to make nitrites from alkali metals at their boiling points, in rocket fuel formulations (with carbon disulfide), in the preparation of whipped cream.

Anesthetic in dentistry and surgery, propellant gas in food aerosols, leak detection.

Agent in detection of leaks in natural gas pipelines.

In the munitions-explosives industry, as propellant.

Industrial uses: Other, Semiconductor and photovoltaic agent, Etching agent.

Consumer uses: Semiconductor and photovoltaic agent.

Use classes: Food additives, Cosmetics, Animal Drugs.

Cosmetic ingredient, INCI name NITROUS OXIDE(propellant, fragrance)

Pharmacological actions

  • Analgesics, Non-Narcotic
  • Anesthetics, Inhalation

Roles

  • NMDA receptor antagonist
  • additive
  • anaesthetic
  • analgesic
  • anti-anaemic agent
  • antidepressant
  • antineoplastic agent
  • antipsychotic agent
  • anxiolytic drug
  • bacterial metabolite
  • cardiovascular drug
  • central nervous system drug
  • food additive
  • food packaging gas
  • food propellant
  • general anaesthetic
  • greenhouse gas
  • inhalation anaesthetic
  • pharmaceutical
  • propellant
  • raising agent
  • refrigerant
  • vasodilator agent
  • vulnerary

Functional uses

  • Flavouring and nutrient
  • Fragrance
  • Propellants, non-motive (blowing agents)

Cosmetic functions

  • Fragrance
  • Propellant

Pharmacology

Nitrous Oxide is a naturally occurring gas that is colorless and non flammable. It can be manufactured and used for a variety of things such as a pharmacologic agent to produce anesthesia, a food additive as a propellant, and an additive to fuels to increase available oxygen in combustion.

How it is made

Nitrous oxide is manufactured by the thermal decomposition of ammonium nitrate. Higher oxides of nitrogen are removed by passing the dry gas through a series of scrubbing towers.

Prepared by thermal decomposition of ammonium nitrate.

Thermal decomposition of ammonium nitrate, controlled reduction of nitriles or nitrates.

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

Health and food

  • EU cosmetic ingredient inventory
  • Active ingredient in FDA approved drug labels
  • Food additive

United States

  • TSCA inventory (USA)
    Status: Active in US commerce

HS code and trade data

Customs classification and reported world trade statistics

Global trade

World import and export statistics for the HS code Nitrous oxide is traded under.

HS 2850.00Indicative HS code

Hydrides, nitrides, azides, silicides and borides, whether or not chemically defined, other than compounds…

World exports in 2024
$648M
−0.5% vs 2023, imports $610M
2019 to 2024
Top exporters
  1. United States33.3%
  2. China24.9%
  3. Japan10.9%
Top importers
  1. South Korea17.6%
  2. China15.8%
  3. India * partner reported12.1%

* Partner reported figures, a lower bound.

Reported customs values in USD, not prices.Full trade data

The HS code shown for Nitrous oxide is indicative (it was assigned by structure rules). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about Nitrous oxide, based on the data on this page

What is Nitrous oxide?

Dinitrogen oxide is a nitrogen oxide consisting of linear unsymmetrical molecules with formula N2O.

What is the CAS number of Nitrous oxide?

The CAS registry number of Nitrous oxide is 10024-97-2. Other or deprecated CAS numbers: 100240-04-8, 97485-25-1.

What is the molecular formula and weight of Nitrous oxide?

The molecular formula of Nitrous oxide is N2O and its molar mass is 44.01 g/mol.

What is Nitrous oxide used for?

To oxidize organic compounds at temperatures greater than 300 °C, to make nitrites from alkali metals at their boiling points, in rocket fuel formulations (with carbon disulfide), in the preparation of whipped cream. Anesthetic in dentistry and surgery, propellant gas in food aerosols, leak detection.

Is Nitrous oxide hazardous?

Nitrous oxide carries the GHS signal word "Danger". Main hazards: may cause or intensify fire, oxidiser, contains gas under pressure, may explode if heated, contains refrigerated gas, may cause cryogenic burns or injury. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of Nitrous oxide?

Nitrous oxide is usually classified under HS code 285000 (Hydrides, nitrides, azides, silicides and borides, whether or not chemically defined…). This is indicative, confirm it with your customs broker before shipping.

Where can I buy Nitrous oxide?

CompoundList lists 81 suppliers of Nitrous oxide in United States, India, China, Turkey and 26 more. Send one free request to get and compare quotes. Your contact details stay private until you accept a quote.

Where can I buy Nitrous oxide in India?

12 suppliers in India list Nitrous oxide on CompoundList. Filter the suppliers list by country and send a request to compare prices, grades and delivery times.

What is the price of Nitrous oxide?

Suppliers quote Nitrous oxide on request because prices depend on grade, purity, quantity and destination. A free request on CompoundList gets you several quotes to compare.

Guides for buyers

Practical guides that help when you source, ship or handle Nitrous oxide

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Data last updated 7 Oct 2026. Details may have changed, please confirm them with the supplier. Report an error on this page
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