1. to introduce an alkyl group into (a molecule or compound) through a chemical reaction
Usage: chemistry; technical

Examples

• The chemist will alkylate the benzene ring using an alkyl halide.
• In petroleum refining, alkylate is produced by alkylating isobutane with olefins.
• The reaction alkylates the amine, adding a hydrocarbon chain to the nitrogen atom.
• Alkylating agents are used in organic synthesis to modify molecular structures.
• The enzyme catalyzes the alkylation of the substrate at the active site.