
When adding simultaneously nitrite and sulfite in a molar ratio of from 1:1 to 1:1.5 to an acid aqueous solution having a pH value of from 0 to 3, nitrous oxide is formed. The process is carried out at a temperature in the range of from 0.degree. to 100.degree. C. Instead of sulfite there may also be used SO.sub.2. The gaseous nitrous oxide formed can be freed from impurities (SO.sub.2, NO) by washing with aqueous alkali metal hydroxide solution and alkaline permanganate solution.











