- Definition of N2O
The common name for N2O is laughing gas, known in English as Nitrous Oxide. N2O has a molar mass of 44.013 g/mol and contains 2 Nitrogen atoms and 1 Oxygen atom. The molecular structure of N2O is a linear molecule with two Nitrogen atoms linked together in the middle and one Oxygen atom at the end. N2O does not form ions under normal conditions.
- Properties of N2O
N2O is in the gas state under standard conditions, with no clear color, no odor, colorless, and tasteless. The pH of N2O is not determined because it does not dissolve in water to create an acidic or basic environment. N2O is very stable, hard to decompose, but it can react with oxygen in the air at high temperatures to form NO2 and N2.
- Common chemical equations for N2O
N2O does not react with metals, acids, non-metals, or salts under normal conditions.
- Synthesis of N2O
N2O can be synthesized in the lab from the reaction between ammonium nitrate and boiling water. In the industry, N2O is synthesized by heating ammonium nitrate at a temperature around 170 degrees Celsius to create N2O and water.