This monograph is devoted to the activation and various transformations of saturated hydrocarbons (alkanes) - reactions accompanied by the C--H and C--C bond cleavage. Alkanes are the main constituents of oil and natural gas, and consequently are the principal feedstocks for the chemical industry. On the other hand, these substances are known to be the least reactive organic compounds. Special attention is paid to the recently found alkane activations in the presence of metal complexes, which are described in more detail. In addition to the reactions of saturated hydrocarbons which are the main topic of this book, the activation of C--H bonds in arenes and even olefins and acetylenes are considered.