Nitrous oxide is used as a propellant gas in the food industry, for commercial whipped cream dispensers. Part of the gas dissolves in the whipped cream, which aerates it, while the rest propels the whipped cream through the dispenser.

Since this gas is a source of Oxygen, it is used in electronics for chemical depositions in the gaseous phase during the manufacturing process of semi-conductors.

This property is also applied in the space field. Nitrous oxide can be used alone or mixed with air in internal combustion engines, where it enhances combustion and increases power supply.

Nitrous oxide, mixed with Oxygen, is used in medicine for its analgesic properties (i.e., it alleviates pain). This gas offers the dual advantage of acting very quickly (the pain relief is felt just three minutes after administration) and being eliminated quickly by the organism without residual effects. It is used to manage the pain associated with rapid but painful medical procedures (spinal taps, reduction of fractures, sutures, etc.), during dental procedures for patients suffering from anxiety, or during labor.

On the operating table, it also supplements anesthesia, making it possible to reduce the doses of other related drugs and thereby facilitate elimination post-operation.

More about this gas: its physical-chemical properties