An inhalational anesthetic is a chemical compound possessing general anesthetic properties that can be delivered via inhalation. They are administered through a face mask, laryngeal mask airway, or tracheal tube connected to an anesthetic vaporizer and an anesthetic delivery system. Agents of significant contemporary clinical interest include volatile anesthetic agents such as isoflurane, sevoflurane, and desflurane, as well as certain anesthetic gases such as nitrous oxide and xenon.