Abstract: An improved process for the production of a soot-free hydrogen and carbon monoxide-containing gas by non-catalytic partial combustion of a carbonaceous fuel is described. In this process high yields of hydrogen and carbon monoxide are obtained by staging the partial combustion reaction in a manner such that a substantial portion, e.g., up to 95%, of the carbonaceous fuel charge to the process is reacted with diluted oxygen in a first reaction zone maintained at 1200.degree. to 1700.degree. C to form a first reaction zone effluent made up principally of hydrogen and carbon monoxide and this first reaction zone effluent is passed into a second reaction zone maintained at a temperature at least 100.degree. C lower than the first reaction zone wherein the remaining carbonaceous material is substantially completely converted to gaseous partial combustion products.