Alkylbenzenes are a type of organic compound that has a benzene ring attached to an alkyl group. These compounds are widely used in the chemical industry as solvents, fuel additives, and as starting materials for the production of other chemicals. In this article, we will explore the definition, origin, meaning, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences of alkylbenzenes.
Definitions
Alkylbenzenes are a group of organic compounds that have a benzene ring attached to an alkyl group. The alkyl group can vary in size and can be linear or branched. The most common alkylbenzenes are toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene.
Origin
Alkylbenzenes are produced from the reaction of benzene with an alkylating agent. The most common alkylating agents used are olefins, such as propylene, butenes, and pentenes. The reaction takes place in the presence of a catalyst, such as aluminum chloride or sulfuric acid.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, alkylbenzenes are “any of a class of organic compounds that have a benzene ring with one or more alkyl groups attached to it.”
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, alkylbenzenes are “a class of organic compounds that have a benzene ring with one or more alkyl groups attached to it, used as solvents, fuel additives, and starting materials for the production of other chemicals.”
Associations
Alkylbenzenes are widely used in the chemical industry as solvents, fuel additives, and as starting materials for the production of other chemicals. They are also used in the production of detergents, plastics, and synthetic fibers.
Synonyms
The synonyms of alkylbenzenes include:
- Arylalkanes.
- Benzyl hydrocarbons.
- Phenylalkanes.
- Toluene derivatives.
- Xylene derivatives.
Antonyms
There are no specific antonyms for alkylbenzenes.
The same root words
The root words of alkylbenzenes are alkyl and benzene.
Example Sentences
- Toluene is an alkylbenzene that is commonly used as a solvent.
- The production of alkylbenzenes involves the reaction of benzene with an alkylating agent.
- Ethylbenzene is an important starting material for the production of styrene, which is used in the production of plastics.
- Xylene is an alkylbenzene that is used as a solvent and as a starting material for the production of other chemicals.
Alkylbenzenes are a group of organic compounds that have a benzene ring attached to an alkyl group. They are widely used in the chemical industry as solvents, fuel additives, and as starting materials for the production of other chemicals. The most common alkylbenzenes are toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene. Understanding the definition, origin, meaning, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences of alkylbenzenes can help us appreciate their importance in the chemical industry.