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alkylation

noun
al·​kyl·​ation | \ ˌal-kə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce alkylation (audio) \

Definition of alkylation

: the act or process of introducing one or more alkyl groups into a compound (as to increase octane number in a motor fuel)
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Other Words from alkylation

alkylate \ ˈal-​kə-​ˌlāt How to pronounce alkylate (audio) \ transitive verb

Examples of alkylation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 Volatile isobutane is converted in the alkylation unit to a component of gasoline. — Christina Austin, Fortune, "Exxon Fined Over Explosion That Injured Workers," 13 July 2017 The Nov. 22, 2016 explosion on a sulfuric-acid alkylation unit that makes octane-boosting components of gasoline in the sprawling Baton Rouge refinery and chemical plant injured four workers, two of them severely. — Christina Austin, Fortune, "Exxon Fined Over Explosion That Injured Workers," 13 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'alkylation.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of alkylation

1885, in the meaning defined above

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The first known use of alkylation was in 1885

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More from Merriam-Webster on alkylation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about alkylation

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