The reduction of Cu(111)/O with CO appeared to be possible at 298 K with CO pressures in the 10(-2) Pa range. The apparent activation energy at low temperatures is 14.6 kJ mol-1 which is significantly lower than at temperatures above 475 K. The oxidation temperature has a marked influence on the subsequent reduction at 298 K. For partially oxidised surfaces the oxygen distribution has influence on the reduction kinetics as well.