Comparing E941 - Nitrogen vs E942 - Nitrous oxide
Overview
Synonyms
Products
Found in 79 products
Found in 170 products
Search rank & volume
Awareness score
Search volume over time
Interest over time for 3 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Interest over time for 3 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Popular questions
How many valence electrons does nitrogen have?
Five; a nitrogen atom has 5 valence electrons (2s2 2p3).
What is nitrogen fixation?
Nitrogen fixation is the conversion of atmospheric N2 (E941) into biologically available forms like ammonia by microbes, lightning, or the industrial Haber–Bosch process.
What is nitrogen used for?
In foods, E941 is used as an inert propellant and packaging gas to displace oxygen, prevent oxidation, and extend shelf life. Liquid nitrogen is also used for rapid freezing and to create fine bubbles/creamy textures in beverages (e.g., nitro coffee or beer).
Is nitrogen a greenhouse gas?
No—diatomic nitrogen (N2, E941) is not a greenhouse gas because it does not absorb infrared radiation; nitrous oxide (N2O, E942) is.
What is the nitrogen cycle?
The nitrogen cycle is the movement of nitrogen among the atmosphere, soils, water, and living organisms. It includes fixation of N2 (E941) into reactive forms, biological uptake, and return to N2 via processes like denitrification.
What is nitrous oxide used for?
In foods, E942 is used as a propellant and foaming gas for aerosol whipped cream and similar products, and it helps limit oxidation by displacing oxygen; outside food, it’s also used medically for sedation and analgesia.
Why don't dentists use nitrous oxide anymore?
Many dentists still use it; where it’s reduced or discontinued, it’s usually due to practice policies, monitoring and ventilation requirements, costs, or infection-control considerations, not because it’s been broadly banned.
How does nitrous oxide work?
As a food additive, it dissolves in cream under pressure and expands into fine bubbles when released, whipping and dispensing the product while displacing oxygen to slow oxidation.
How long does nitrous oxide last?
In medical/dental use, its effects generally wear off within a few minutes after inhalation stops; in whipped cream, the gas remains in the foam for hours but gradually diffuses out.
Is nitrous oxide flammable?
No—nitrous oxide isn’t flammable, but it is a strong oxidizer that can make other materials burn faster and more intensely.