Abstract <p>The results of the study and use of chemical factors that make it possible to control flame propagation and gas explosion and detonation are presented. In view of the chain nature of reactions in these processes, an important role of heterogeneous reactions of atoms and radicals in all combustion modes was discovered. The tendencies in explosion and detonation inhibition are discussed; examples of control over the explosion intensity and detonation velocity by using inhibitors and by varying the chemical properties of the reactor surface are given.</p>