Nitrous Oxide (N₂O)- Laughing Gas

Nitrous oxide, often called "laughing gas," is a colorless, sweet-smelling gas composed of nitrogen and oxygen. It is used for anesthesia and recreational purposes due to its euphoric effects. It is used as propellent gas. It is used in combination with oxygen in the ratio N₂O : O₂ = 1:10 as a mild anaesthetic.

N₂O can be prepared in the laboratory by heating NH₄NO₃ below 200°C to avoid explosion.
Sometimes as a safety measure instead of directly using NH₄NO₃, a mixture of (NH₄)₂SO₄ and NaNO₃ are heated to give NH₄NO₃ which decomposes further to give N₂O.

1) N₂O has a faint sweet smell and produces a tickling sensation on the neck when inhaled and makes people laugh hysterically. Excess of inhalation leads to unconsciousness.
2) Unlike other oxides of nitrogen, N₂O supports combustion though it does not burn itself.

1) At very high temperature N₂O decomposes to N₂ and O₂

2N₂O → 2N₂ + O₂

If a glowing piece of Mg, Cu, or P is introduced in such an environment, these pieces burn brightly due to the O₂ produced from decomposition of N₂O.
2) With Sodium and potassium N₂O reacts to give the corresponding peroxides liberating N₂ in the process.

2N₂O + 2Na → Na₂O + 2N₂
Na₂O is sodium peroxide