FIELD: chemical industry. SUBSTANCE: invention describes process for preparing phenol and derivatives thereof by oxidation of benzene and derivatives thereof with nitrous oxide in the presence of heterogeneous catalysts. Benzene and derivatives thereof are oxidized with nitrous oxide at 225-450 C in the presence of zeolite catalyst which is preactivated at elevated temperature by two-stage treatment. In first stage, catalyst is maintained at 350-450 C for 4-6 h in current of nitrogen or oxygen, and in second stage, catalyst is heated at 450-1100 C for 1-3 h in continuous current of inert gas or air. Activated zeolite catalyst is cooled to 350 C. EFFECT: more stable operation of the catalyst and increased process selectivity. 2 cl, 7 tbl
