Properties of Nitrous Oxide (N2O)
Nitrous oxide (N2O), often referred to as laughing gas, is a colorless, non-flammable gas with a faint, sweet odor. It is commonly used in medical and dental procedures as an anesthetic and analgesic to induce a state of mild sedation and pain relief.
The following table provides a comprehensive list of nitrous oxide properties in both SI and US customary/Imperial units at normal temperature and pressure (NTP).
Click on the icon to switch between Metric and Imperial units.
| Physical Properties | Metric |
|---|---|
| Molar Mass | 44.013 g/mol |
| Density (25°C) | 1.799 kg/m3 |
| Dynamic Viscosity (25°C) | 15 µPa·s |
| Speed of Sound in Gas (25°C) | 268 m/s |
| Thermal Properties | Metric |
| Melting Point | -90.8 °C |
| Boiling Point | -88.5 °C |
| Thermal Conductivity (25°C) | 0.015 W/m·K |
| Specific Heat Capacity (Cp) | 877 J/kg·K |
| Critical Constants | Metric |
| Critical Temperature (Tc) | 36.4 °C |
| Critical Pressure (Pc) | 7.24 MPa |
| Critical Density (ρc) | 452 kg/m3 |
| Electrical Properties | Metric |
| Relative Permittivity (εr) | 1.00113 |
| Optical Properties | Metric |
| Refractive Index (589 nm) | 1.000516 |
| Hazardous Data | Metric |
| NFPA Rating (Health) | 1 |
| NFPA Rating (Fire) | 0 |
| NFPA Rating (Reactivity) | 0 |
Unless stated otherwise, all values are taken at room temperature (approximately 20°C or 68°F) and 1 atm pressure. (1 atm = 101,325 Pa)
Related Pages
References: 1) Cardarelli, François. Materials Handbook: A Concise Desktop Reference. Switzerland: Springer International Publishing, 2018. 2) CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 97th Edition. United Kingdom: CRC Press, 2016-2017. 3) Yaws, Carl L. The Yaws Handbook of Physical Properties for Hydrocarbons and Chemicals. Netherlands: Elsevier Science, 2015. 4) Fire Protection Guide to Hazardous Materials, 14th Edition. United States: National Fire Protection Association, 2010.