Autoalkylation

/ˌɔːtoʊˌælkɪˈleɪʃən/ noun

Definition

A chemical reaction where a molecule attaches alkyl groups to itself without external chemical agents causing the reaction.

Etymology

From 'auto-' (self), 'alkyl' (a type of hydrocarbon group), and 'ation' (the process of). This is a specialized chemistry term.

Kelly Says

Autoalkylation is important in understanding how some pollutants and toxins modify themselves in the environment, making them potentially more harmful without any outside help.

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