to change (into); to turn (into); to transform (into); to become
to influence
液体が気体に化する温度を調べた。
I investigated the temperature at which liquid turns into gas.
静かな村が観光地と化した。
The quiet village turned into a tourist destination.
空き地が子供の遊び場と化している。
The vacant lot has turned into a children's playground.