Convert a given alkane to any higher or lower alkene without sides rxn

[sadhu]

how can we convert any given alkane to any other higher or lower alkane without giving rise to any side reactions

i tried to find many books but they all give wurtz,decarboxylation,kolbe synthesis
but for all these steps we need to prepare their halogen deirvatives which are formed in different isomeric forms

 

[Kushal]

there is the cracking of large alkane molecules, to give smaller ones in the petroleum industry. you only need a catalyst, silica or alumina, and a temperature of about 450 degrees.

for converting lower alkanes molecules to larger ones, i have no clue.