Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous Oxide, N 2 O, a colorless gas with a sweetish taste and odor. Its density is 1.977 grams per liter at STP. It is soluble in water, alcohol, ether, and other solvents. Although it does not burn, it supports combustion since it decomposes into oxygen and nitrogen when heated. Nitrous oxide is commonly used in surgery and dentistry for its anesthetic effects. It also used in motor racing to increase engines’ power output.