Re: Toluene vs. Toulene

[MCTXR4@aol.com]

In a message dated 09/01/1999 1:29:54 PM !!!First Boot!!!, rmyers@inetone.net 
writes:

> t 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.
>  >
I never said my memory was perfect... but I do specifically remember the part 
about rapid vaporization from the Sunoco site and the remark about limited 
usefulness. I do not now, nor have I ever, represented myself as an expert on 
fuels. I refer any and all listers to the Sunoco website as the authority. 
The Sunoco site also covers other additives people have tried to get cheap 
horsepower. 

Mike Torio