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  • Anti-Knock Agents in Gasoline: Understanding Tetraethyllead (TEL) and Alternatives
    The compound added to petrol (gasoline) to prevent knocking is tetraethyllead (TEL).

    However, it's important to note that TEL is no longer widely used due to its harmful environmental impact.

    Here's why:

    * Lead pollution: TEL releases lead into the atmosphere, which is a toxic heavy metal that can cause health problems.

    * Catalytic converter damage: Lead poisons catalytic converters, which are essential for reducing harmful emissions from cars.

    Modern gasoline uses alternative anti-knock agents, such as:

    * MTBE (methyl tert-butyl ether)

    * Ethanol

    * Various aromatic hydrocarbons

    These alternatives provide similar anti-knock properties without the harmful effects of lead.

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