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