Alkylize

/ˈælkɪˌlaɪz/ verb

Definition

To introduce an alkyl group into a molecule or to treat a substance with an alkyl group in a chemical reaction.

Etymology

From 'alkyl' (hydrocarbon radical) + '-ize' (to cause to become). This is a systematic term for a specific type of organic chemistry reaction.

Kelly Says

Alkylization is one of the most important reactions in making pharmaceuticals—when chemists alkylize a compound, they're often creating the active ingredient that makes a drug work, which is why this humble verb matters to millions of patients.

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