<P> In the US it has been used in gasoline at low levels since 1979 , replacing tetraethyl lead as an antiknock ( octane rating ) additive to prevent engine knocking . Oxygenates also help gasoline burn more completely , reducing tailpipe emissions and dilute or displace gasoline components such as aromatics ( e.g. , benzene ) . Before the introduction of other oxygenates and octane enhancers , refiners chose MTBE for its blending characteristics and low cost . </P>
<P> In the US it has been used in gasoline at low levels since 1979 , replacing tetraethyl lead as an antiknock ( octane rating ) additive to prevent engine knocking . Oxygenates also help gasoline burn more completely , reducing tailpipe emissions and dilute or displace gasoline components such as aromatics ( e.g. , benzene ) . Before the introduction of other oxygenates and octane enhancers , refiners chose MTBE for its blending characteristics and low cost . </P>
why is mtbe used as a gasoline additive
why is mtbe used as a gasoline additive
to prevent engine knocking
to prevent engine knocking