A kinetic model for the partial oxidation of methane to syngas over a highly active Pt/MgO catalyst was developed using hyperbolic rate equations. The formation of syngas was derived to occur via primary methane combustion to CO2 and H2O and secondary steam and CO2 reforming of methane to CO and H-2. On the basis of this kinetic model the performance of an adiabatic reactor was simulated. A sensitivity analysis with respect to radiation and heat conductivity of the catalyst bed on axial temperature and concentration profiles was performed assuming T-inlet = 873 K and u(reactor,873K) = 3 m s(-1). A hot-spot temperature on the surface of ca. 1700 K at 1 bar and 2600 K at 25 bar and large gradients between surface and gas-phase temperature were calculated. No significant contribution of radiation to the heat transfer was predicted. The effective heat conductivity of the catalyst bed is an important factor to decrease hot-spot temperatures. The maximum temperature amounts to 1380 K(1 bar) and 2100 K (25 bar), assuming a heat conductivity of the catalyst bed of 0.15 J s(-1) m(-1) K-1. Equilibrium conversion and selectivity is obtained with a bed of less than 1 mm length.