In chemistry, the chemical nomenclature of ionic and molecular compounds uses a systematic approach of prefixes to indicate the number of each element present in the compound. This chemical naming of compounds follows the nomenclature guidelines as laid down by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC).
Now speaking of ionic compounds, these are compounds formed from positively charged ions (cations) and negatively charged ions (anions) held together by strong electrostatic forces (ionic bonds). In everyday life, we refer to these ionic compounds by their commonly known name. For example, salt is not often called by its chemical name, sodium chloride, but is referred to by its commonly known name.
In our previous articles, we have explored the chemical names of baking soda, chalk, vinegar, table salt, washing powder, and many more. Today, we will learn the chemical name, formula, properties, and uses of laughing gas.
What is the chemical name and formula for laughing gas?
The chemical name for chalk is nitrous oxide.
The chemical formula for chalk is N₂O (two nitrogen atoms and one oxygen atom).
Properties of Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is a colourless, non-flammable gas known for its anaesthetic and analgesic properties. It is known to give a brief euphoric feeling, making one giddy, giggly, calm, and less sensitive to pain. Its name, ‘laughing gas’, was coined by Humphry Davy. Let’s quickly look at the physical and chemical properties of nitrous oxide.
Physical Properties
Appearance: Colourless gas
Odour: Faint, sweet
State: Gas at standard temperature and pressure. It is stored as a liquid under pressure.
Mass: ~44.01 g/mol (for one molecule of nitrous oxide)
Density: 1.977 g/L
Melting Point: -90.86 degrees Celsius
Boiling Point: -88.48 degrees Celsius
Chemical Properties
Composition: Nitrous Oxide
Solubility: Moderately soluble in water.
Combustion: Non-flammable but supports combustion by releasing oxygen
Structure: Distinct from nitric oxide (NO) or nitrogen dioxide (NO₂)
Uses of Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide is used widely across medical, industrial, and commercial uses. Common medical applications of nitrous oxide include dental procedures, childbirth, minor medical procedures, ambulance crews, and research.
Nitrous oxide also has varied industrial and commercial uses, such as food additive (as a propellant in commercial aerosol whipped cream canisters), in automotive (in engines of racing cars as an oxidizer), and in space (as an oxidizer in rocket motors).
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