an improvement in the process for the oxidative coupling of methane is provided . typically , the reaction takes place in a reactor that includes a catalyst zone . a primary ch 4 / o 2 stream is fed into the entrance of the reactor and reacted at a temperature of 600 ° c .- 1000 ° c . and a pressure of between 101 kpa and 800 kpa . the improvement comprises introducing an auxiliary oxygen stream directly into the catalyst zone and one or more points to thereby selectively increase the yield of c 2 + products .