What is the role of octane in gasoline?

Octane plays a crucial role in gasoline as it directly relates to the fuel's ability to resist knocking or detonation in the engine's combustion chamber. When fuel is compressed in the engine, particularly in higher compression engines, the heat and pressure can cause it to ignite prematurely, leading to knocking, which can damage engine components. A higher octane rating means that the fuel can withstand greater compression before igniting, allowing for more efficient combustion and better engine performance.

This characteristic is vital for high-performance engines designed to operate at higher compression ratios, as it helps prevent premature ignition and ensures smoother operation. Therefore, the primary purpose of octane in gasoline is to provide this resistance to detonation, ultimately contributing to engine longevity, performance, and efficiency.