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1. Structure and characteristics of the molecule
The nitrous oxide molecule, also known as dinitrogen monoxide or nitrous oxide, was discovered in 1772 by the English chemist Joseph Priestley.
Under normal conditions of temperature and pressure, it is a colorless, odorless gas with no toxicological effects, but can be asphyxiating in high concentrations. It has been used since the late 18th century for recreational (laughing gas) and medical (anesthetic) purposes.
Traditionally, nitrous oxide is produced by thermal decomposition of ammonium nitrate at temperatures between 170 and 260°C. This method was developed by French chemist Claude Louis Berthollet in 1785 and has been widely used ever since.
The table 1 shows its various physical and chemical characteristics:...
The Ultimate Scientific and Technical Reference
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Structure and characteristics of the molecule
Environmental impacts and sources
Bibliography
Standards and norms
- Air quality - Stationary source emissions – Determination of nitrous oxide (N2O) concentration at emission using a non-dispersive infrared method. – Automatic method, 34 p. - AFNOR, XP X43-305 - 2005
- Méthode d'analyse de gaz par absorption d'un faisceau de radiations infrarouges non dispersé, 4 p. - AFNOR, NF X20-301 - 1978
Websites
http://encyclopedia.airliquide.com
Air emissions in mainland France, substances involved in the greenhouse effect (April 2006). (
The Ultimate Scientific and Technical Reference
