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InventoryRef 3550915/10/2010

NITROUS OXIDE

Dinitrogen oxide

NITROUS OXIDE is listed in the EU CosIng inventory, but no direct annex records are linked on this page yet.

Regulatory evidence by market

No rule for this ingredient has been imported for any of the 13 markets tracked here.

That describes this inventory, not the law. No imported rule is not evidence that an ingredient is permitted: a rule may exist under another name or identifier, or in a dataset not yet imported here.

Chemical identity and properties

PubChem 2D chemical structure for CAS 10024-97-2
CAS 10024-97-2PubChem CID 948

Nitrous Oxide

Dinitrogen oxide is a nitrogen oxide consisting of linear unsymmetrical molecules with formula N2O. While it is the most used gaseous anaesthetic in the world, its major commercial use, due to its solubility under pressure in vegetable fats combined with its non-toxicity in low concentrations, is as an aerosol spray propellant and aerating agent for canisters of 'whipped' cream. It has a role as an analgesic, a vasodilator agent, a general anaesthetic, an inhalation anaesthetic, a NMDA receptor antagonist, a member of greenhouse gas, a bacterial metabolite, a raising agent, a member of food packaging gas, a food propellant and a refrigerant. It is a gas molecular entity and a nitrogen oxide. ChEBI

IUPAC name
nitrous oxide
Molecular formula
N2O
Molecular weight
44.013 g/mol
Exact mass
44.001062628 Da
XLogP3
0.5
Topological polar surface area
19.1 Ų
Hydrogen-bond donors
0
Hydrogen-bond acceptors
2
Covalent units
1
Defined stereocentres
0

Also known as

Laughing gasDinitrogen oxideDinitrogen monoxideFactitious airnitrogen protoxideNitrogen oxide (N2O)Hyponitrous acid anhydrideNitrogen hypoxide
16 more reported names
Stickdioxydoxyde nitreuxOxido nitrosoGas, Laughingprotoxyde d'azoteNitrous oxide, compressedOxide, NitrousDistickstoffmonoxidFEMA No. 2779Nitrogenum oxygenatumProtoxide of nitrogenDinitrogenii oxidumNitrogen oxide (n(sub 2)o)INS NO.942INS-942K50XQU1029
External database identifiers

Evidence from additional scientific databases

EMBL-EBI ChEBI
Exact identifier matchCHEBI:17045

dinitrogen oxide

A nitrogen oxide consisting of linear unsymmetrical molecules with formula N2O. While it is the most used gaseous anaesthetic in the world, its major commercial use, due to its solubility under pressure in vegetable fats combined with its non-toxicity in low concentrations, is as an aerosol spray propellant and aerating agent for canisters of 'whipped' cream.

Formula
N2O
Average mass
44.013 g/mol
Monoisotopic mass
44.00106 Da
Formal charge
0
  • gas molecular entity — is a (CHEBI:138675)
  • nitrogen oxide — is a (CHEBI:35196)
  • NMDA receptor antagonist — has role (CHEBI:60643)
  • inhalation anaesthetic — has role (CHEBI:38870)
  • bacterial metabolite — has role (CHEBI:76969)
  • general anaesthetic — has role (CHEBI:38869)
  • vasodilator agent — has role (CHEBI:35620)
  • analgesic — has role (CHEBI:35480)
  • food packaging gas — has role (CHEBI:77974)
  • refrigerant — has role (CHEBI:78433)
  • greenhouse gas — has role (CHEBI:76413)
  • raising agent — has role (CHEBI:77971)
  • food propellant — has role (CHEBI:78017)
  • NMDA receptor antagonist — has role (CHEBI:60643)
  • inhalation anaesthetic — has role (CHEBI:38870)
  • bacterial metabolite — has role (CHEBI:76969)
  • general anaesthetic — has role (CHEBI:38869)
  • vasodilator agent — has role (CHEBI:35620)
  • analgesic — has role (CHEBI:35480)
  • food packaging gas — has role (CHEBI:77974)
  • refrigerant — has role (CHEBI:78433)
  • greenhouse gas — has role (CHEBI:76413)
  • raising agent — has role (CHEBI:77971)
  • food propellant — has role (CHEBI:78017)
  • gas molecular entity — is a (CHEBI:138675)
  • nitrogen oxide — is a (CHEBI:35196)
Additional curated names
dinitrogen oxideoxidodinitrogen(N--N)diazyne 1-oxideDinitrogen monoxideDinitrogen oxideDistickstoffmonoxidE942factitious airgaz hilarantLachgaslaughing gasnitrogenium oxydulatumnitrogen protoxideNitrous oxideNNON2Ooxyde nitreuxprotoxyde d'azoteR-744AStickstoff(I)-oxid
Cross-references from this source
  • CAS: 10024-97-2 — KEGG COMPOUND
  • CAS: 10024-97-2 — ChemIDplus
  • CAS: 10024-97-2 — NIST Chemistry WebBook
  • REGISTRY_NUMBER: 2153410 — Gmelin
  • REGISTRY_NUMBER: 8137358 — Reaxys
  • MANUAL_X_REF: 4238 — DrugCentral
  • MANUAL_X_REF: C00887 — KEGG COMPOUND
  • MANUAL_X_REF: c0650 — UM-BBD
  • MANUAL_X_REF: D00102 — KEGG DRUG
  • MANUAL_X_REF: N2O — PDBeChem
  • MANUAL_X_REF: Nitrous_oxide — Wikipedia

Mapped by: Exact CAS cross-reference in the ChEBI compound record. Source updated: 2017-10-13. Retrieved: 2026-08-31. Open source record

NIH PubChem PUG-View
Exact identifier match948

Attributed physical-property, hazard, environmental and use annotations.

  • Physical Description: Nitrous oxide is a colorless, sweet-tasting gas. It is also known as "laughing gas". Continued breathing of the vapors may impair the decision making process. It is noncombustible but it will accelerate the burning of combustible material in a fire. It is soluble in water. Its vapors are heavier than air. Exposure of the container to prolonged heat or fire can cause it to rupture violently and rocket. It is used as an anesthetic, in pressure packaging, and to manufacture other chemicals. Source: CAMEO Chemicals
  • Physical Description: Nitrous oxide, refrigerated liquid appears as a colorless liquid. Density 1.22 g / cm3 at its boiling point of -89 °C. Boils to give a colorless gas that is sweet-smelling and moderately toxic. The gas has narcotic effects when inhaled (laughing gas). Shipped under refrigeration. Vapor pressure is at about 745 psig at 70 °F. Used to freeze foods and to manufacture other chemicals. Source: CAMEO Chemicals
  • Physical Description: CBI; Gas Vapor Source: EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
  • Physical Description: Colourless, non-flammable gas, sweetish odour Source: EU Food Improvement Agents
  • Physical Description: Colorless gas with a slightly sweet odor. [inhalation anesthetic] [Note: Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas.] [NIOSH] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
  • Physical Description: Liquid Source: Human Metabolome Database (HMDB)
  • Physical Description: COLOURLESS COMPRESSED LIQUEFIED GAS WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR. Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
  • Physical Description: Colorless gas with a slightly sweet odor. Source: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
  • Physical Description: Colorless gas with a slightly sweet odor. [inhalation anesthetic] [Note: Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas.] Source: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
  • First Aid: Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Nitrous oxide:; Eye: FROSTBITE - If eye tissue is frozen, seek medical attention immediately; if tissue is not frozen, immediately and thoroughly flush the eyes with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the lower and upper eyelids. If irritation, pain, swelling, lacrimation, or photophobia persist, get medical attention as soon as possible.; Skin: FROSTBITE - If frostbite has occurred, seek medical attention immediately; do NOT rub the affected areas or flush them with water. In order to prevent further tissue damage, do NOT attempt to remove frozen clothing from frostbitten areas. If frostbite has NOT occurred, immediately and thoroughly wash contaminated skin with soap and water.; Breathing: FRESH AIR - If a person breathes large amounts of this chemical, move the exposed person to fresh air at once. Other measures are usually unnecessary. (NIOSH, 2024) Source: CAMEO Chemicals
  • ERG2024, Guide 122 (Nitrous oxide, compressed; Nitrous oxide, refrigerated liquid; Nitrous oxide): General First Aid:; · Call 911 or emergency medical service.; · Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, take precautions to protect themselves and avoid contamination.; · Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely.; · Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult.; · If victim is not breathing:; -- DO NOT perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; the victim may have ingested or inhaled the substance.; -- If equipped and pulse detected, wash face and mouth, then give artificial respiration using a proper respiratory medical device (bag-valve mask, pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other device).; -- If no pulse detected or no respiratory medical device available, provide continuous compressions. Conduct a pulse check every two minutes or monitor for any signs of spontaneous respirations.; · Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes.; · For minor skin contact, avoid spreading material on unaffected skin.; · In case of contact with substance, remove immediately by flushing skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes.; · For severe burns, immediate medical attention is required.; · Effects of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, Source: Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
  • ERG2024, Guide 122 (Nitrous oxide; Nitrous oxide, compressed; Nitrous oxide, refrigerated liquid): General First Aid:; · Call 911 or emergency medical service.; · Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, take precautions to protect themselves and avoid contamination.; · Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely.; · Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult.; · If victim is not breathing:; -- DO NOT perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; the victim may have ingested or inhaled the substance.; -- If equipped and pulse detected, wash face and mouth, then give artificial respiration using a proper respiratory medical device (bag-valve mask, pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other device).; -- If no pulse detected or no respiratory medical device available, provide continuous compressions. Conduct a pulse check every two minutes or monitor for any signs of spontaneous respirations.; · Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes.; · For minor skin contact, avoid spreading material on unaffected skin.; · In case of contact with substance, remove immediately by flushing skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes.; · For severe burns, immediate medical attention is required.; · Effects of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, Source: Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
  • First Aid: (General first aid procedures); Eye: Frostbite - If eye tissue is frozen, seek medical attention immediately; if tissue is not frozen, immediately and thoroughly flush the eyes with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the lower and upper eyelids. If irritation, pain, swelling, lacrimation, or photophobia persist, get medical attention as soon as possible.; Skin: Frostbite - Compressed gases may create low temperatures when they expand rapidly. Leaks and uses that allow rapid expansion may cause a frostbite hazard. Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent the skin from becoming frozen.; Breathing: Fresh air Source: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
  • Signal: Danger Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H270 (100%): May cause or intensify fire; oxidizer [Danger Oxidizing gases]; H280 (56.4%): Contains gas under pressure; may explode if heated [Warning Gases under pressure]; H281 (40.6%): Contains refrigerated gas; may cause cryogenic burns or injury [Warning Gases under pressure]; H336 (31.7%): May cause drowsiness or dizziness [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Narcotic effects] Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P220, P244, P261, P271, P282, P304+P340, P319, P336+P317, P370+P376, P403, P403+P233, P405, P410+P403, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • ECHA C&L Notifications Summary: Aggregated GHS information provided per 663 reports by companies from 15 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.; Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Signal: Danger Source: NITE-CMC
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H270: May cause or intensify fire; oxidizer [Danger Oxidizing gases]; H336: May cause drowsiness or dizziness [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Narcotic effects]; H360: May damage fertility or the unborn child [Danger Reproductive toxicity]; H372: Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure] Source: NITE-CMC
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P203, P220, P244, P260, P261, P264, P270, P271, P280, P304+P340, P318, P319, P370+P376, P403, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: NITE-CMC
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H270: May cause or intensify fire; oxidizer [Danger Oxidizing gases]; H280: Contains gas under pressure; may explode if heated [Warning Gases under pressure]; H336: May cause drowsiness or dizziness [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Narcotic effects]; H360: May damage fertility or the unborn child [Danger Reproductive toxicity]; H372: Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure] Source: NITE-CMC
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P203, P220, P244, P260, P261, P264, P270, P271, P280, P304+P340, P318, P319, P370+P376, P403, P403+P233, P405, P410+P403, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: NITE-CMC
  • Signal: Danger Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H270: May cause or intensify fire; oxidizer [Danger Oxidizing gases]; H280: Contains gas under pressure; may explode if heated [Warning Gases under pressure] Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P220, P244, P370+P376, P403, and P410+P403 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Toxicity Summary: IDENTIFICATION AND USE: Nitrous Oxide is a stable, non-irritating colorless gas with slightly sweetish odor and taste. It is used as anesthetic in dentistry and surgery, propellant gas in food aerosols, leak detection. HUMAN EXPOSURE AND TOXICITY: The main complication following inhalation of nitrous oxide is varying degrees of hypoxia, affecting the functions of the heart and the brain. This may be associated with hypotension, fatal cardiac arrhythmias, headache, dizziness, anoxic brain damage, cerebral edema and permanent mental deficit. Chronic exposure can cause neurological and hematological changes including megaloblastic erythropoiesis and neurological features similar to subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord. Nitrous oxide should not be administered for more than 24 hours because of the risk of bone marrow depression. During induction with high concentrations of nitrous oxide, the oxygen in the lungs is rapidly used up and the anoxia with increased respiratory effort causes rapid depletion of carbon dioxide in the issues. Absence of carbon dioxide and depression of the medullary centers by the anesthetic quickly lead to respiratory failure, and rarely, the patie Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Toxicity Summary: While nitrous oxide inactivates methionine synthase, intraoperative use results in a transient metabolic abnormality that soon reverses upon replacing the degrading enzyme.; When nitrous oxide is used recurrently (during occupational exposure or as a drug of abuse), it may lead to megaloblastic anemia with neurologic dysfunction. This situation also may occur in patients with an unrecognized cobalamin deficiency (vegans, pernicious anemia, hereditary disorders of cobalamin, and folate metabolism). Subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord (SACD) and death is reported with repeated exposure in a case of a rare congenital 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) deficiency. Source: StatPearls
  • Environmental Fate: ATMOSPHERIC FATE: Nitrous oxide has an atmospheric lifetime of 114 years. The Global Warming Potential = 298 (100-year)(1). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Mapped by: Existing checksum-valid CAS to unique PubChem CID match. Retrieved: 2026-08-31. Open source record

Scientific classifications and hazard annotations provide context and do not replace the market-specific regulatory decision shown above.

Additional source coverage and match status
SourceResultChecked
EMBL-EBI ChEBIExact match2026-08-31
NIH PubChem PUG-ViewExact match2026-08-31

A recorded no-match is useful evidence that the source was checked; it is not a claim that the substance does not exist elsewhere.

Retrieved from NIH PubChem on 2026-08-31 by checksum-valid CAS matching. Chemical properties do not replace the regulatory decision on this page.

Inventory details for NITROUS OXIDE

INCI name

NITROUS OXIDE

INN name

nitrous oxide

Ph. Eur. name

nitrogenii oxidum

Description

Dinitrogen oxide

Record provenance

Inventory reference
35509
Imported identity
NITROUS OXIDE
Source update
15/10/2010
European Commission CosIng source notes

Key data

Restriction
Function
PROPELLANT
Generating pressure in an aerosol pack, expelling contents when the valve is opened. Some liquefied propellants can act as solvents.

Official EU ingredient-name evidence

The ingredient name exactly matches the official 2025 EU glossary of common ingredient names.

Ingredients with overlapping formulation functions

Additional official and scientific sources

11 external databases to check this identity in

How NITROUS OXIDE appears in the CosIng inventory

The CosIng inventory lists NITROUS OXIDE as a cosmetic ingredient and this page links it to 0 annex records. The inventory entry captures names and identifiers, while the annex records show where the substance is prohibited, restricted or positively listed in EU cosmetics law.

NITROUS OXIDE is also tagged with 1 cosmetic function in the official data. Function labels describe intended use, but they do not replace regulatory review of linked annex records before formulation or labelling work.

Frequently asked questions

NITROUS OXIDE is listed in the EU CosIng ingredient inventory with no direct annex restriction records linked at this time. Absence of an annex link does not guarantee unrestricted use — always verify against the current official CosIng database before formulating.

According to the EU CosIng inventory, NITROUS OXIDE carries the following function designation(s):

CAS 10024-97-2 may appear across multiple EU annex records. Viewing the CAS lookup page shows all Annex II–VI entries sharing this identifier, which is useful for identifying cross-annex regulatory status of the same chemical substance.

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Source note for NITROUS OXIDE

This page reproduces the CosIng inventory entry for NITROUS OXIDE from public European Commission cosmetic ingredient materials and shows linked identifiers even when no direct annex match is currently attached.

Use this inventory page to research NITROUS OXIDE and compare linked records, but verify restrictions and legal status against the current official source text and law before making regulatory decisions.

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