The present state of new developments in direct catalytic conversion of low-molecular-mass alkanes (C-1-C-3) to petrochemical feedstocks and petrochemicals is reviewed. Special attention is given to the following reactions : methane to methanol and formaldehyde by partial oxidation as well as to C-2 hydrocarbons by oxidative coupling, ethane and propane to their olefins by oxidative dehydrogenation and to their oxygenates, i.e., acetic acid, acrylic acid and acrolein by partial oxidation. Specific research results are presented on the oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane and propane.