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Why is laughing gas used as a propellant in spray cans?
Laughing gas or nitrous oxide (N2O, E942) is an inert (non-reactive) gas, which can also be used as a preservative. It is used as a propellant in cans as an alternative for carbon dioxide (CO2). Carbon dioxide can dissolve in water, which results in the formation of carbonic acid. This will acidify the product and thus change the taste and quality of the product. Nitrous oxide does not dissolve and has no effect on taste or quality.
