Difference between revisions of "Octane"

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'''Octane''' is a [[hydrocarbon]] found in [[petroleum]].  Note that octane can refer to many different [[isomers]].
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'''Octane''' is a [[hydrocarbon]] found in [[petroleum]]. It has eight linked carbon atoms which may form a straight chain, various branched chains, or, in the case of cyclooctane, a ringThe straight and branched varieties share the same chemical formula and are therefore structural isomers. The most highly branched form, isooctane, has excellent anti-knock properties when burned in an internal-combustion engine, and it's properties are used to calibrate the Octane rating of motor fuels. Isooctane is rated 100 on the octane scale and n-heptane, a hydrocarbon with very poor anti-knock properties, is rated 0.
  
 
[[Category:Organic Chemistry]]
 
[[Category:Organic Chemistry]]

Revision as of 03:43, July 16, 2010

Octane is a hydrocarbon found in petroleum. It has eight linked carbon atoms which may form a straight chain, various branched chains, or, in the case of cyclooctane, a ring. The straight and branched varieties share the same chemical formula and are therefore structural isomers. The most highly branched form, isooctane, has excellent anti-knock properties when burned in an internal-combustion engine, and it's properties are used to calibrate the Octane rating of motor fuels. Isooctane is rated 100 on the octane scale and n-heptane, a hydrocarbon with very poor anti-knock properties, is rated 0.