Alkylation

Alkylation (pronounced: al-ky-lay-shun) is a process in organic chemistry where an alkyl group is transferred from one molecule to another. The alkyl group may be transferred as an alkyl carbocation, a free radical, a carbanion or a carbene (or their equivalents).

Etymology

The term "alkylation" is derived from the word "alkyl", which itself comes from the Greek word "alky", meaning "fat". This is in reference to the fact that alkyl groups are often derived from alkanes, which are hydrocarbons that have the general formula CnH2n+2 and are found in fats and oils.

Process

The process of alkylation can occur in several ways. One common method is through the use of an alkyl halide with a Lewis acid catalyst to form a carbocation, which can then react with a nucleophile. Another method is through the use of a Friedel-Crafts alkylation, which involves the reaction of an alkyl halide with an arene in the presence of a strong Lewis acid.

Applications

Alkylation has many applications in the field of organic chemistry. It is used in the production of gasoline and other fuels through a process known as fluid catalytic cracking. It is also used in the production of pharmaceuticals, polymers, and other chemicals.

Related Terms

• Alkane
• Alkyl
• Organic Chemistry
• Lewis Acid
• Friedel-Crafts Alkylation
• Fluid Catalytic Cracking

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Alkylation
• Wikipedia's article - Alkylation

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