Octane is a term commonly used in the energy commodities trading sector, particularly in the context of gasoline and fuel. It refers to a measure of the quality or performance characteristics of motor fuel, primarily in terms of its ability to resist knocking or pinging in an engine. The octane rating is a numerical representation of this resistance and indicates the fuel’s ability to resist spontaneous combustion or detonation during the combustion process. In simple terms, the higher the octane rating, the more resistant the fuel is to knocking.

Gasoline typically contains a blend of hydrocarbons, and the octane rating of a fuel is determined by the ratio of two isomeric hydrocarbons: iso-octane (which has a high resistance to knocking) and n-heptane (which has a low resistance to knocking). These two compounds serve as reference points to compare the performance of other fuels. Thus, an octane rating of 87 means that the fuel has the same anti-knock performance as a mixture of 87% iso-octane and 13% n-heptane.

To find out more detailed information about octane and its significance in gasoline and fuel, you can refer to the following websites:

1. Website: U.S. Department of Energy – Energy.gov
Link: https://www.energy.gov/eere/vehicles/octane-faq
This website provides an informative FAQ section on octane, explaining its importance as well as its relationship to vehicle engine performance and efficiency. It outlines the different octane rating systems used around the world and addresses questions about premium versus regular gasoline.

2. Website: American Chemical Society – ACS Publications
Link: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.energyfuels.8b00041
This academic paper titled “Octane Numbers: An Analytical Comparison of Current and Future Methods” examines various analytical methods used to determine octane numbers. It delves into the development of octane rating methods and evaluates their differences, advantages, and limitations, providing a more technical understanding of the subject.

By referring to these websites, individuals can gain a comprehensive understanding of octane and its role in engine performance and fuel quality, helping them make informed decisions when it comes to choosing the appropriate gasoline for their vehicles.