Alkylbenzene is a term that is commonly used in the field of chemistry. It is a type of organic compound that is widely used in the manufacturing of detergents, solvents, and other industrial products. This article will provide a detailed explanation of the definition and meaning of alkylbenzene.
Definitions
Alkylbenzene is a type of organic compound that is derived from benzene. It is formed by replacing one or more hydrogen atoms in the benzene ring with alkyl groups. Alkyl groups are hydrocarbon chains that contain carbon and hydrogen atoms. The most common alkyl groups used in the production of alkylbenzene are linear alkyl groups, such as n-dodecyl and n-octyl.
Origin
The production of alkylbenzene began in the 1950s when the demand for synthetic detergents increased. The first commercial production of alkylbenzene was done by the German company, BASF. Today, alkylbenzene is produced by many companies around the world, including ExxonMobil and Shell.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to Merriam-Webster, alkylbenzene is defined as “any of various synthetic organic compounds derived from benzene by replacing one or more hydrogen atoms with alkyl groups.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “an organic compound consisting of a benzene ring with one or more alkyl groups attached.”
Associations
Alkylbenzene is commonly associated with the manufacturing of detergents, solvents, and other industrial products. It is also used in the production of lubricants, plastics, and synthetic rubber. Alkylbenzene is known for its excellent solubility, low toxicity, and biodegradability.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of alkylbenzene include:
- Phenylalkane.
- Benzylalkane.
- Arylalkane.
- Alkylated benzene.
Antonyms
Since alkylbenzene is a specific type of organic compound, there are no true antonyms for it. However, some compounds that are not alkylbenzenes include:
- Alcohols.
- Aldehydes.
- Ketones.
- Carboxylic acids.
The same root words
Some related terms to alkylbenzene include:
- Benzene.
- Hydrocarbon.
- Organic compound.
Example Sentences
- The detergent industry relies heavily on the production of alkylbenzene.
- Alkylbenzene is known for its excellent solubility in water.
- The use of alkylbenzene as a solvent has decreased in recent years due to environmental concerns.
- The production of alkylbenzene requires the use of specialized equipment and processes.
- Alkylbenzene is a versatile compound that is used in a wide range of industrial applications.