(US5205912-A)      Method comprises (a) introducing CH4 into a reaction zone contg. at least one elongated plasma initiator capable of initiating an electric discharge in an electromagnetic field and (b) subjecting to pulsed microwave radiation, thus initiating electric discharge and ionising the CH4 to convert at least a portion of it to C2H2, C2H4 and H2. The plasma initiator is W, Fe, Ni, Cu, their alloys or mixts., or is Ca aluminate, C, Fe2O3 or their mixts. The microwave frequency is at least 0.3 GHz. Mole ratio of CH4 to H2 is at least 1:2.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to convert CH4 to higher hydrocarbons with higher conversion ratio    (US5205915-A)      Method comprises (a) introducing methane into a reaction zone that contains at least one elongated plasma initiator capable of initiating an electric discharge in an electromagnetic field and (b) continuous microwave radiation to initiate an electric discharge, ionising the CH4 and converting at least a portion of it to C2H2, C2H4 and H2. The plasma initiator is W, Fe, Ni Cu or their alloys or mixts. or is Ca aluminate, C, Fe2O3 or their mixts. The microwave frequency is at least 0.3 GHz.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to convert CH4 to higher mol. wt. hydrocarbons. Higher rate of conversion    (JP6219970-A)      A method for converting methane to acetylene, ethylene and H2 is claimed, comprisees introducing methane into a reaction zone contg. at least one elongated plasma initiator capable of initiating an electric discharge in an electromagnetic field, and subjecting the methane and plasma initiator to microwave radiation for a sufficient time to convert at least a portion of the methane.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Provides a means of converting methane to higher mol.wt. hydrocarbons and H2, in partic. to acetylene and ethylene. The formation of aromatic cpds. such as benzene, alkyl benzenes, xylenes, etc. is also contemplated. The invention can be practised at any convenient temp. and pressure, including ambient conditions. @(14pp Dwg.No.1/6)@