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 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 An alkylation unit at Valero Energy Corp.’s Benicia refinery, which makes high-octane gasoline, went down over the weekend, according to Genscape Inc. Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2019 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

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'alkylation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of alkylation was in 1885

Dictionary Entries Near alkylation

Cite this Entry

“Alkylation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alkylation. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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