Catalytic partial oxidation of methane (CPOM) to syngas has been investigated in a fixed-bed reactor with an O-2-distributor (FR-OD). The axial temperature profile and species profile along the Ni or Rh-based catalyst bed have been measured at different conditions. As the O-2 was distributed radially into the catalyst bed through several rows of holes arranged at the special zone of the OD, a microenvironment maintaining a low O-2/CH4 ratio (0.10-0.22) was provided in the catalyst bed. The hotspot phenomena appeared at the entrance of the catalyst bed have been effectively controlled. A more uniform temperature profile along the catalyst bed has been given, which is beneficial to the stability of catalyst and the safety of reactor operation. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.