A solid state optical sensor for CO has a sensing material which includes a molybdenum, tungsten or vanadium color forming agent; a palladium, ruthenium or osmium catalyst; and an iron, chromium or cesium reversing agent. A redox property modifier and/or an interference suppressing agent may also be included. The chemistry is contained in a polymer embedding matrix, with permeation enhancer, if required. Solubility of the chemistry in the polymer matrix is enhanced by lipophilic counterions. The matrix with embedded sensing chemistry is coated on an optical substrate to form an optical transducer.