| abstract |
To produce N2O, ammonium nitrate is decomposed in an aqueous, chloride-containing solution in nitric acid while an ammonia atmosphere is maintained above the reaction mixture. The preferred temperature range of the solution is 110*-125* C. The atmosphere of ammonia is maintained by introducing at least part of the required ammonia into the gas volume of the reaction vessel. The decomposition of the ammonium nitrate and the formation of N2O is enhanced by the presence of catalytically active ions of manganese, copper, cerium, lead, bismuth, cobalt and nickel; manganese, especially in its bivalent form, being preferred. |