The present invention provides methods for preparing a C6-C10 alkane, and mixture thereof. The methods include forming a reaction mixture containing an angelica lactone dimer, a catalyst, and a hydrogen source under conditions sufficient to reduce the angelica lactone dimer, thereby preparing the alkane. The methods can be used to prepare branched alkanes useful for fuels. Methods for preparing an angelica lactone, methods for preparing an angelica lactone dimer, and methods for reducing a lactone to an alkane are also described.