Adding Oxygenates

Question 1

What is meant by ‘oxygenate’

Answer 1

Oxygenate refers to any fuel containing oxygen in its molecules

Question 2

What three oxygenates (oxygen-containing compounds) are usually added to petrol?

Answer 2

Methanol

Ethanol

MTBE

Question 3

What is the main reason to add oxygenates such as methanol, ethanol and MTBE to petrol?

Answer 3

To increase the octane number of petrol

Question 4

What is the more modern name of MTBE?

Answer 4

2-methoxy-2-methylpropane

Question 5

Other than to increase the octane of petrol, why are oxygenates added to petrol?

Answer 5

Oxygenates give rise to very little pollution when they burn i.e. they are ‘cleaner’ fuels as they give off less carbon monoxide in the exhaust systems of cars

Question 6

Why do oxygenates give off less carbon monoxide when burnt?

Answer 6

They undergo a more complete oxidation when they burn which results in cleaner emissions