alkylation

[ al-kuh-ley-shuhn ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. the replacement of a hydrogen atom in an organic compound by an alkyl group.
2. the addition of a paraffin to an olefin, done in the manufacture of gasoline.

alkylation

/ ˌælkɪˈleɪʃən /

noun

1. the attachment of an alkyl group to an organic compound, usually by the addition or substitution of a hydrogen atom or halide group
2. the addition of an alkane hydrocarbon to an alkene in producing high-octane fuels

Word History and Origins

Origin of alkylation¹

First recorded in 1895–1900; alkyl + -ation

Example Sentences

On the refinery’s website, PBF Energy argues that Californians live in a state with strict environmental regulations, yet still can drive wherever they want in the vehicles of their choice “with the reassurance their local refineries produce the world’s cleanest-burning gasoline using process called alkylation.”

From Los Angeles Times

Furthermore, the new platinum complex could catalyze the hydroxy/alkoxy alkylation of olefins -- a reaction that could not be catalyzed with existing well-known ligands.

From Science Daily

It is known4 that pks+ E. coli damages the DNA of cells it infects by causing adenine nucleotides to undergo a type of modification called alkylation.

From Nature

According to energy intelligence service Genscape, the fire is believed to have occurred at the 182,200 barrel-per-day refinery’s alkylation unit.

From Reuters

The refinery was expected to shut its alkylation unit in February-March 2020 for maintenance, according to a source familiar with the plant’s operations.

From Reuters