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

Examples

• The chemist alkylates the benzene ring using an alkyl halide and a catalyst.
• This reaction alkylates the nitrogen atom, creating a new carbon-nitrogen bond.
• Industrial processes often alkylate hydrocarbons to produce higher-octane fuels.
• The enzyme alkylates the DNA strand at specific positions.
• When you alkylates the compound, you increase its molecular weight and change its properties.