alkylation

noun

al·​kyl·​ation ˌal-kə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce alkylation (audio)
: the act or process of introducing one or more alkyl groups into a compound (as to increase octane number in a motor fuel)
alkylate transitive verb

Examples of alkylation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Goldsmith said a Chevron refinery in Salt Lake City found an ionic-liquid alkylation process as an alternative to MHF. Jasmine Mendez, Los Angeles Times, 8 Feb. 2026 Standard Oil began using the property in 1863 for crude oil distillation, reforming, cracking, alkylation, coking and asphalt production. Kaitlin Durbin, cleveland, 17 Aug. 2022 This research ultimately will be solving how DNA alkylation damage is detected and repaired. Kristen Griffith, baltimoresun.com/maryland/carroll, 12 Apr. 2021 The Houston alkylation unit upgrades isobutane and refinery olefins into high value alkylate product, Valero said. Houston Chronicle, 25 July 2019 The fire was extinguished over the weekend, and the damage was mainly centered around the alkylation unit, which makes high-octane gasoline blending components. Dan Molinski, WSJ, 26 June 2019 Volatile isobutane is converted in the alkylation unit to a component of gasoline. Christina Austin, Fortune, 13 July 2017

Word History

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of alkylation was in 1885

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Cite this Entry

“Alkylation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alkylation. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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