Definition of Alkylation



Alkylation is a chemical reaction in which there is a transfer of an alkyl group from one chemical species to the other. Alkyls are known to be the derivatives of saturated hydrocarbons i.e. alkanes. The general formula of the alkyl is CnH2n+1. The alkyl group R can be shifted from one species to the other in the form of an alkyl carbocation, a free radical, or a carbanion.

 


Alkylating agents are chemical compounds that are responsible for the addition of an alkyl group in whatever starting material. On contrary, the compounds that help in the removal of these alkyl groups are termed as dealkylating agents which may have nucleophilic or electrophilic character.


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