The invention provides an improved method for producing synthesis gas from lower alkanes which utilizes molten baths as reactors. A molten metal oxide bath delivers oxygen to a feed stream containing lower alkanes and enhances oxidation of the lower alkanes to produce carbon dioxide and a molten elemental metal. In a molten metal bath, the metal is regenerated to metal oxide by contact with a regenerant such as air. Heat evolved in the molten baths is transferred to an endothermic reactor where a portion of the carbon dioxide is converted to a mixture of carbon oxides and hydrogen.