The use of nitrous oxide as oxidant in methane and ethane partial oxidation, methane coupling reaction and benzene hydroxylation is described. Improved selectivities to partial oxidation products could be achieved compared to molecular oxygen. In particular the difference between nitrous oxide and molecular oxygen on solid acid catalyst systems e.g. zeolites is remarkable. A completely new way to produce phenol was opened combining nitrous oxide and ZSM5 zeolites. Space-time-yields of about 0.9 kg phenol per hour and kg catalyst imply an industrial application.