The chemistry of the higher oxides of nitrogen as related to the manufacture, storage and administration of nitrous oxide.

The chemical basis for commercial production and purification of nitrous oxide is outlined and discussed. Nitric oxide is the most likely toxic contaminant but the concentration in the effluent gas from a cylinder diminishes rapidly due to fractionation. Nitric oxide reacts with oxygen but the velocity of the reaction is influenced by concentration and is very slow at concentrations below about 0.1 per cent. Most methods of detection and estimation of nitric oxide depend upon prior oxidation. The reaction between nitrogen dioxide and water is complex and toxic effects result from the formation of hydrogen ions, nitric oxide, nitrate and nitrite ions.