So Nitrous is N2O, so in that state would be a pure compound with a definite ratio always being the same, how ever in automotive racing grade isn't there sulfur in it making it a mixture, thus an indefinite composition?

 

Sulfer Dioxide levels are 100ppm

 

Makes it a mixture then, thanks Ray

 

technically, yes, it's a mixture. In practicallity though, the impurities are so low its not nearly even close to affecting the composition. As for being an "indefinte" composion... no, it's liquid form under pressure, then gas upon pressure release... both of which freely mix. So you do have an even mixture... of 0.01% sulfer.

That's assuming they even dope it, most places don't go through the hasel and cost of inventorying medical and standard use (doped) as medical use is the main buyer of N2O.

Fact is almost ANY chemical is a "mixture" if you use the definition that loosely. Research grade (even purer than medical grade) chemicals like ethanol is only 99.5% pure... medical is 98% or better, and food grade is usually 95%... which is about what is used as a gasoline additive (the other 5% is usually water). Purifiying chemicals is expensive. Simple isolation isn't too bad, but getting that last few % points makes the cost go up astronomicly.

Nitrous, by nature of the chemical reaction used to make it, is naturally EXTREMELY pure in even the lowest grade. You can assume 100% N20 for the gross calculations of stoich... ie pure mix resulting in 12.00000:1 ratio would actually be 11.99988:1... less than ANY O2 sensor could measure.

See how little it matters? ... it's not much of a "mixture" in practicality.