The conversion of open chain alkanes into cycloalkanes and aromatic compounds is called

The conversion of open chain alkanes into cycloalkanes and aromatic compounds is called "reforming". Reforming is a process used in the petroleum industry to convert low octane gasoline into high octane gasoline or liquid petroleum gas (LPG). The reforming process involves breaking the carbon-carbon bonds of the straight-chain hydrocarbons, then rearranging them into branched or cyclic compounds, which are higher in octane number. This process is carried out in the presence of a catalyst, typically a platinum or palladium catalyst, at high temperatures and pressures.