Which of the following is used as an 'anti-knock' in automobile engines?

A.

Tetramethyl silane

B.

Lead tetra-ethyl

C.

Glycerol

D.

n-heptane

Correct answer is B

knocking, in an internal-combustion engine, sharp sounds caused by premature combustion of part of the compressed air-fuel mixture in the cylinder.

Knocking is a phenomenon that occurs in a gasoline engine if the fuel used does not have a high enough octane rating.

Anti – knocking agents are chemical compounds added in the fuels that help in effective combustion.

An antiknock agent is a gasoline additive used to reduce engine knocking and increase the fuel's octane rating by raising the temperature and pressure at which auto-ignition occurs.

Examples are: 

  • Methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT)
  • Ferrocene.
  • Iron pentacarbonyl.
  • Toluene.
  • Isooctane.
  • Ethanol boosts the octane number of fuel, which helps prevent pre-ignition knock.

  • Organic lead (tetraethyl lead) is used as an antiknock agent in gasoline and jet fuels.