Ferrocene – antiknock additive

Technical Ferrocene is issued according to TU 6-02-964.

General information

Ferrocene, being the representative of the sandwich compounds class, is known worldwide for its antiknock properties. Thanks to simplicity of application, environmental friendliness and high efficiency, this fuel additive became very widespread. As well as MMA and MTBE, ferrocene is used for the raise of gasoline octane number.

Despite the main application as an antiknock gasoline additive, ferrocene is used in many technological processes:

• as the heat stabilizer of polyethylene and diene rubbers;
• allows to synthesize medicines;
• reduces quantity of deposits, smoke and soot during diesel and fuel oil combustion;
• protects polymers from ultraviolet and high temperature, gives to them semiconductor properties;
• is necessary in production of dyes, pigments and many other substances.

Composition of ferrocene

Dicyclopentadienyl iron (II) is an organometallic compound. The substance is insoluble in water, but is easily soluble in gasoline and diesel fuel, benzene, ether and other organic solvents.

Appearance: an orange powder with a camphor-like smell.

How much to weigh in grams?

As it was already said, the main objective of ferrocene — raising of octane number. To increase octane number of 1 ton of gasoline by 4–5 units, it's enough to add about 170 grams of the product.

It is worth noticing that the exact dosage is defined through practice, as the properties of the treated fuel play an important role.

Ferrocene is the most effective if it's used together with MMA and MTBE.

Figures and facts

Molar mass: 186,04 g/mol.

Melting point: 172,5 °C.

Chemical formula: C₁₀H₁₀Fe.

The content of the main substance is not less than 98 %.

The content of free iron is minimal and amounts to no more than 0,02 %.

The content of insoluble substances in gasoline — no more than 0,5 % (0,22 % actually).

Advantages of ferrocene

Ferrocene has an established track record and plenty of strengths. Its price (it is cheaper than many of octane boosters) and effectiveness are the main ones (the result requires minimum content).

After purchasing the product is delivered by packing of 25 kg (metal barrels).