Some compounds are commonly used as an octane booster, among others:
Toluene (methylbenzene)
Toluene is commonly used as an active ingredient in octane booster on the market. Toluene is more flammable than gasoline, so that at the proper levels, could help fuel combustion. In the 1980s, 84% toluene by volume content of the fuel used for Formula 1 cars, but besides the price is quite expensive, the use of toluene is too much will make the engine heat faster, and it will cause engine knocking. Toluene is also not recommended to be added directly, because it can cause the fuel hose made of rubber brittle fast.
If you take a taxi, ask the taxi driver about the tips to increase the octane rating of the fuel. Generally, they are advised to use camphor crushed into powder and put into the fuel tank of the vehicle. Camphor or naphthalene is an aromatic hydrocarbon, which has a higher octane rating than gasoline. If burned, camphor can produce emissions that are carcinogenic and toxic. Addition of crushed camphor should be 100% soluble in fuel, because if there is a precipitate, can clog the gas pipeline on the vehicle.
an alcohol-type compounds that have a higher octane rating than gasoline. Methanol is also used as fuel. Methanol is carcinogenic, so the methanol combustion in the engine can produce exhaust gases that are harmful to health.
is a compound that can be used as a fuel and has a higher octane rating than gasoline. Ethanol tends to contain water (due to azeotropic properties), so if it will be used as an octane booster or additive, should have a purity higher than 99.2%, because the water content can cause corrosion and damage the engine. Currently bioethanol (ethanol made from renewable materials) are used as a mixture of high octane gasoline to produce bio-fuel.
TEL
is an active ingredient that is commonly used to raise the octane number. TEL can be mixed with fuel while still in refineries or depots, or when already in the fuel tank consumers. Lead as heavy metals react with free radicals in the carbon chain, which causes the carbon compounds can create a new branch, which can raise the octane value and calorific value. Today the use of TEL as an additive to increase the octane rating has been reduced, because the exhaust gases contain heavy metals that can lead to harmful health. In addition, TEL also can damage the engine today that use a catalytic converter
is an active ingredient that is commonly used to raise the octane number. TEL can be mixed with fuel while still in refineries or depots, or when already in the fuel tank consumers. Lead as heavy metals react with free radicals in the carbon chain, which causes the carbon compounds can create a new branch, which can raise the octane value and calorific value. Today the use of TEL as an additive to increase the octane rating has been reduced, because the exhaust gases contain heavy metals that can lead to harmful health. In addition, TEL also can damage the engine today that use a catalytic converter
