Optimal steady-state reactor temperature profiles in classic jacketed tubular reactors often exhibit a (nearly) trapezoidal shape along the reactor, i.e., in a first part the temperature is raised, then a constant temperature interval follows, and (possibly) the temperature is lowered towards the outlet. The practical realisation of these optimal reactor temperature profiles is, however, complex because of the spatially varying jacket fluid temperature profile that is required for the constant reactor temperature part. Since similar trapezoidal temperature profiles are encountered in reverse flow configurations, this reactor type may be an alternative to implement the optimal profiles in practice. This article conceptually proves the feasibility of this concept and provides an optimisation procedure for its design and operation. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.