noun
- a chemical reaction in which an alkyl group is introduced into a molecule, typically replacing a hydrogen atom
Usage: chemistry; technical
Examples
- Alkylation is a key step in the synthesis of many organic compounds.
- The alkylation of benzene with ethylene produces ethylbenzene.
- Industrial alkylation processes are used to manufacture gasoline additives.
- Chemists use alkylation reactions to modify the structure of drug molecules.
- The alkylation of DNA by certain carcinogens can lead to mutations.