- #1
MiniJo
- 8
- 0
I just learned octane numbers in organic chemistry a few days ago, and I'm extremely confused about it. From what I understand, the octane number indicates resistance of a motor fuel to knock, and "knock" is the tendency for the fuel to detonate before hit by spark. Is there an easier way to understand this? Right now I'm not getting it at all.
Also, from our class example, we were told that n-heptane has an octane number of 0 while 2,2-trimethylpentane is 100. Other than being told this, how do we judge a compound's octane rating if we're only given the structure or formula? Are there criteria that make something's rating increase/decrease?
Thanks in advance. =)
Also, from our class example, we were told that n-heptane has an octane number of 0 while 2,2-trimethylpentane is 100. Other than being told this, how do we judge a compound's octane rating if we're only given the structure or formula? Are there criteria that make something's rating increase/decrease?
Thanks in advance. =)