This invention provides for a process to convert branched or linear alkanes to branched or linear alpha olefins (AO) of the same carbon number. The process comprises the steps of: a) halogenating linear alkanes, branched alkanes, or a mixture of linear and branched alkane to produce a mixture containing primary mono-haloalkanes and hydrogen halide; b) separating the hydrogen halide from the mixture and optionally neutralizing it with a metal oxide to produce a partially halogenated metal oxide and/or metal halide which may be regenerated; c) separating the primary mono-haloalkanes from the mixture; d) reacting the separated primary mono-haloalkanes with a metal oxide to produce a mixture of products that contains alpha olefins, unconverted primary mono-haloalkanes, possibly other reaction products, and a partially halogenated metal oxide and/or metal halide which may be regenerated; e) regenerating the partially halogenated metal oxide and/or metal halide to halogen and/or acid and a metal oxide (such as Cl.sub.2) for recycle by reaction with air or oxygen ; and f) removing the unreacted primary mono-haloalkane from the reaction mixture and then purifying the alpha olefin.