A review with 11 refs. covering alternative processes for making ethylene, propylene, C-4-fraction, isobutylene, 1,3-butadiene, benzene, toluene, xylene, ethylbenzene, cumene, vinyl chloride, styrene, acrylonitrile, methyl methacrylate, acrylic acid and its esters, terephthalic acid and its esters, adipic acid, isoprene, 1,4-butanediol, and propylene oxide involving alternative hydrocarbon feedstocks, catalytic systems, operating parameters, reactor systems, and separation techniques.