Average Carbon Number Analysis and Relationship with Octane Number and PIONA Analysis of Premium and Regular Gasoline Expended in Ecuador

Abstract

The quality of fuel depends on its chemical composition, which influences engine performance. Gas chromatography, a cornerstone of global oil and fuel R&D, remains crucial for ensuring the quality of petroleum products and regulatory compliance. Scientists use the most accurate analysis (PIONA) as a tool derived from gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry to identify and quantify hydrocarbons that influence resistance to detonation, which is determined by the research octane number (RON). This study introduces the “average carbon number (ACN)”, calculated from the molar chemical composition of commercial gasoline samples sold in Ecuador (Extra gasoline and Súper gasoline). A quantitative comparison of the ACN with techniques applied using standardized international procedures reveals that the ACN characterizes gasoline samples by providing insight into the distribution shape of carbon graphs. A comprehensive statistical analysis demonstrates the potential usefulness of ACN in characterizing fuel composition, highlighting its relevance in broader fuel quality assessments without the need for carbon distribution plots.