Illustrated Glossary of Organic Chemistry

Gasoline (petrol): A complex mixture of organic molecules, mainly hydrocarbons, derived from fractional distillation of petroleum. Frequently contains oxygenates such as ethanol or MTBE to boost octane rating. Used principally as a fuel for internal combustion engines. Diesel fuel is much like gasoline, except that is a higher boiling fraction of the petroleum distillate.

A beaker of gasoline.		A gasoline pump.		Gasoline-powered automobiles. (Life in Los Angeles, California.)