Abstract: The present invention relates to free radical reaction methods in which low molecular weight, C2 to C6, unsaturated organic compounds such as ethylene and/or propylene are reacted with low molecular weight, C1 to C15, preferably C1 to C10 saturated organic compounds to form low molecular weight, linear or branched C3 to C24, preferably C3 to C12 organic compounds. The present invention is based at least in part upon the concept of carrying out the free radical reaction in the presence of a typically low concentrations of the unsaturated reactant(s) in the reaction zone(s). By doing this, chain transfer mechanisms are more favored while chain extension mechanisms are less favored. In some embodiments, principles of the present invention are helpful to create conditions under which chain transfer to form more stable, secondary or tertiary branched radicals is favored over olefin addition via chain extension.