How It’s Used Nitric oxide (aka nitrogen oxide, nitrogen monoxide, mononitrogen monoxide) is a colorless, nonflammable, poisonous, oxidizing gas with an irritating odor. The compound is a free radical: Its bonding structure includes an unpaired electron. Its name is sometimes confused with nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide—N2O—is the sedative (laughing gas) and motor fuel additive. Here, … Continue reading Nitric Oxide—and Nitric Oxide Monitoring Instrumentation