Comparing E942 - Nitrous oxide vs E943B - Isobutane
Overview
Synonyms
Products
Found in 170 products
Found in 32 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 2 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Popular questions
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.
How do the global warming potentials of isobutane?
Isobutane (R-600a) has a very low GWP—about 3 over 100 years and roughly 10 over 20 years (values vary slightly by IPCC assessment). That’s far lower than many HFC propellants, and its ozone-depletion potential is 0.
What is isobutane used for?
As food additive E943b, it’s used as a propellant/expellant gas in aerosols like whipped cream and cooking sprays. Beyond foods, it’s also used as a refrigerant (R-600a), a fuel for lighters/camping stoves, and a foam-blowing agent.
What is the difference between butane and isobutane?
They’re structural isomers: n-butane (E943a) is straight-chain, while isobutane (E943b) is branched. Isobutane’s lower boiling point gives higher vapor pressure and better cold-weather performance; both are highly flammable gases used as propellants.
How do global warming potentials of isobutane?
On a 100‑year basis, isobutane’s GWP is about 3; on a 20‑year basis it’s roughly 10, depending on the IPCC report cited. These values are very low compared with common HFC propellants, and its ODP is 0.
How long do isobutane canisters last?
Run time depends on canister size and stove output; a typical 230 g canister fuels about 1.5–3 hours at moderate heat (less in cold or high power). Unopened canisters keep for many years if stored cool and dry; always follow the manufacturer’s guidance.