Tetraethyl Lead

Tetraethyl Lead (TEL, CAS No.: 78-00-2) is an organometallic compound with the molecular formula C8H20Pb, which strictly complies with industrial application standards. As a colorless, viscous liquid with high solubility in gasoline, it acts as a traditional yet highly effective anti-knock additive—complementing MTBE’s performance in different fuel application scenarios. When used in internal combustion engines, TEL decomposes to release lead and ethyl radicals; these scavenge free radicals generated during combustion, delay ignition, and significantly boost gasoline octane ratings—thereby enabling the smooth operation of high-compression, high-power engines. While its application in automotive gasoline has declined globally due to environmental considerations, it remains widely utilized in aviation gasoline for piston-engine aircraft and specific industrial sectors requiring superior anti-knock performance. Typically, it is blended with lead scavengers (e.g., 1,2-dibromoethane) to facilitate the removal of lead residues from engines through exhaust gases.