Isomerization
The isomerization of linear alkanes is another important process in petroleum chemistry.
Although difficult, a strong Lewis acid catalyst can produce HETEROLYTIC cleavage in alkanes.
That reaction leads to unstable carbocations whose instability decreases with branching. Hydrogens and alkyl groups 'migrate' and rearrange to give the most substituted, least unstable carbocation.
Isomerization requires catalysts suitable for industrial use, and the search for them is the subject of active research.