Basically, the additive consists of the organic compound methyl-tert-butyl-ether (MTBE), petrol, toluene or methyl benzene, ethyl benzene, xylene (BTEX), ethanol and lead. Octane has been around for years in many different varieties.

By adding octane as an additive to petrol, the problem of engine knocking was solved. Octane, or Oxynate, is a hydrocarbon, which is extracted from petroleum and reduces the chance of, or prevents, the tendency of fuel spontaneously igniting. In 1920, General Motors engineers discovered octane. At that moment, the piston force is excessively counteracted, as a result of which the temperature in the combustion chamber increases and expensive damage can occur to the engine components - like a hole in the piston.Ĭar manufacturers have been looking for chemical solutions to prevent engine knock since the creation of the combustion engine. The combustion already takes place while the piston is still going up, causing engine knock.

In this case, the mixture ignites while the piston is still compressing.

Octane booster