L1 /
2
CH3041
LEAD II
• Pb(ethyl)4 was extensively used
as an anti-knock agent in car engines
so they could use low octane petrol
& yet run at high compression ratios.
as an anti-knock agent in car engines
so they could use low octane petrol
& yet run at high compression ratios.
• Tetraethyl lead is a colourless liquid and is
very toxic. Highly lipophilic & a CNS poison. It was used in small amounts (»0.45 g L-1) as a radical initiator in the combustion process
very toxic. Highly lipophilic & a CNS poison. It was used in small amounts (»0.45 g L-1) as a radical initiator in the combustion process
• Reformulating
the gasoline by adding more branched organic molecules has achieved
a
higher octane rating (isoctane = 100 octane)
and eliminated the need for Pb(ethyl)4. MTBE
higher octane rating (isoctane = 100 octane)
and eliminated the need for Pb(ethyl)4. MTBE
• 94% of the
Pb in the air is anthropogenic.
