alkylation The introduction of an alkyl group into a compound by substitution or addition, usually done by reacting the compound with an alkene or alkyl halide. (See Friedel-Crafts reaction.) Specifically in petroleum refining, alkylation refers to the thermal or catalytic process in which branched alkanes are reacted with alkenes to yield highly branched products of high octane rating. Related category • ORGANIC CHEMISTRY Also on this site: Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living Encyclopedia of History Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site) |