OCTANE Meaning and
Definition
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Octane is a chemical compound that belongs to the group of hydrocarbons known as alkanes. It is a colorless liquid at room temperature, characterized by its low boiling point and high volatility. With a chemical formula of C8H18, octane consists of eight carbon atoms bonded together in a straight chain, and it is surrounded by hydrogen atoms. This structure allows octane to be highly combustible, making it an essential component in fuels.
The octane rating is a measure of a fuel's resistance to knocking or pinging during combustion. Knocking occurs when the air-fuel mixture in an engine's combustion chamber ignites prematurely or in an uncontrolled manner, causing erratic vibrations and potentially damaging the engine. Fuels with higher octane ratings are more resistant to knocking, providing smoother engine operation and reducing the risk of engine damage.
Octane is chiefly used in the production of gasoline, where it is blended with other hydrocarbons to enhance the fuel's performance. The higher the octane rating of the fuel, the more compression it can withstand before igniting spontaneously. Octane is also used as an additive in certain industrial solvents, paints, and other chemical products.
In summary, octane is a flammable hydrocarbon compound used mainly in the production of gasoline. It determines the resistance of fuel to knock or ping during engine combustion, and fuels with higher octane ratings are less prone to knocking.
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Dibutyl, an oily paraffin, C2H18, obtained from petroleum.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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Etymology of OCTANE
The word "octane" originates from the combination of the Greek word "okto" (ὀκτώ), meaning "eight", and the suffix "-ane", which is used to denote hydrocarbons. "Octane" is named after its structure, which contains eight carbon atoms.
Similar spelling words for OCTANE
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