Riboflavin of the formula I ##STR1## is prepared by an improved process by condensing a 4,5-dimethyl-N-(D)-ribityl-2-phenylazoaniline of the formula II ##STR2## where R is H, --CL, --NO.sub.2, --CH.sub.3 or --OCH.sub.3 in the o- or p-position, with barbituric acid of the formula III ##STR3## in the presence of an acid as a condensing agent, by a process in which the acidic condensing agent used is an aliphatic secondary carboxylic acid of the general formula IV ##STR4## where R.sup.1 is methyl or ethyl and R.sup.2 is alkyl of 3 or 4 carbon atoms.