Derived from the Latin term Nitrogenium. Dry ambient air already contains approx. 78% nitrogen (N₂) and 20% oxygen (O₂). Pure nitrogen is obtained by air liquefaction.

Dry and oxygen-free nitrogen with a 5.0 quality is required especially for flux-free soldering. This means that the nitrogen content is ≥99.999% (5 digits). The residual oxygen content of the 5.0 quality is <3 ppm O₂ and the residual moisture is <2 ppm H₂O.