Abstract: A method is provided for converting gaseous lower molecular weight alkanes contained in a feed gas to liquid higher molecular weight hydrocarbons. One or more lower molecular weight alkanes contained in the feed gas, which are heavier than methane, are converted to methane in a pre-former reactor. The resulting methane-enriched gas has a methane fraction greater than the methane fraction of the feed gas. The methane-enriched gas and bromine are reacted to form alkyl bromide and the alkyl bromide is reacted in the presence of a catalyst to form the liquid higher molecular weight hydrocarbons and a residual gas. The liquid higher molecular weight hydrocarbons are recovered as product and the residual gas is fed to the pre-former reactor with the feed gas.