Action of accelerators and inhibitors upon the oxidation of liquid hydrocarbons

Abstract

An apparatus has been devised and a method described for determining the effect of various inhibitors and accelerators of knock upon the slow oxidation of hydrocarbon fuels. Data are given to show the effect of various substances upon the slow oxidation of n-heptane and its normal oxygen derivatives, gasoline, and kerosene. A surprising similarity is shown between the action of lead tetraethyl and various compounds of sodium and potassium, and also a difference in the action of lead tetraethyl and these compounds of sodium and potassium upon the oxidation of hydrocarbons, in the gas or liquid phases.