Re: Toluene vs. Toulene

[Robert Myers <rmyers@inetone.net>]

At 08:14 AM 09/01/1999 EDT, you wrote:
>They are probably the same just a misprint somewhere.

Indeed.

>Toluene is a volatile additive that can boost various grades of gasoline 15 
>to 20 points. Usually used in drag racing only because it is corrosive to 
>fuel lines and is very hygrophilic (sp?) that is, it attracts water. 

Negative!  It is hydrophobic.  A certain very small amount of water will
sometimes be found in it.  It is my understanding that significant levels
of toluene are found in most European gasolines.  Any of you from across
the pond care to confirm that?

>When 
>uncapping a can it should be done in low humidity conditions and used PDQ. 
>Otherwise it loses it's effectiveness through water absorption from the 
>atmosphere and it vaporizes very quickly.

Negative again!  It does evaporate fairly quickly.  It boils at 108C.  A
trace amount of water will only help achieve the desired effect of
increasing fuel octane ratings.  This is what is done with water injection
into the intake manifold.

>A few SCCA racers I know have tried this with less than spectacular results, 
>mainly because the Toluene vaporizes out of the fuel mixture before the end 
>of a race, leaving them with only whatever grade gas they started with. 

If true, then there must be some other reason - 108C BP?  This compares
quite well with many common components of gasoline.

>If I remember correctly, SUNOCO has this information on their Racing Fuels 
>website.
>
>Mike Torio
>
>
___
   Bob
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