Abstract: An improved method and apparatus is provided for thermally reacting chemicals in a matrix bed of porous inert media. The reaction is conducted in an apparatus that is capable of establishing and maintaining a non-planar reaction wave within the matrix bed. The positioning of the non-planar reaction wave permits the interior surfaces of the vessel to be maintained at a temperature at least above 175.degree. F. The apparatus includes a vessel that contains the matrix bed; one or more feed tubes that extend into the matrix bed, where preferably an exterior portion of each of the feed tubes that passes through the vessel is insulated; an exhaust outlet; and a means for heating the matrix bed. The non-planar reaction wave is established by heating at least a portion of the matrix bed to at least the reaction temperature of the chemicals and feeding a process stream containing the chemicals to be reacted into the feed tubes.