A type of organic hydrocarbon containing one or more alkyl groups substituted onto a benzene ring. Methylbenzene (C₆H₅CH₃) and 1,3-dimethylbenzene are simple examples. Alkylbenzenes can be made by a Friedel- Crafts reaction or by the Fittig reaction. Industrially, large quantities of methylbenzene are made by the hydroforming of crude oil. Substitution of alkylbenzenes can occur at the benzene ring. Substitution of hydrogen atoms on the alkyl group can also occur.
