Synthesizing from NH4NO3 is NOT an option

[cbfull]

I thought it would be worth mentioning a couple of things about bench-scale production of N2O.

It seems pretty much all the literature describes the thermal decomposition of NH4NO3. I don't really feel the need to repeat why this is extremely unpredictable, and should never be attempted.

If there were a "chemistry" heading for this substance, I would gladly add a synthesis that is far safer. I admit I'm too tired right now to explain it in full detail, and I'm not even sure it would be appropriate in this thread.

In summary, a mixture of nitric/sulfuric acid is added at a steady rate into a reservoir of urea solution (don't know concentration off hand), and the ensuing reaction is said to generate a steady output of N2O gas that can be increased/decreased by simply changing the rate at which the acid solution is added.

Haven't tried this, don't really plan to, but sounds cool enough.