Etüültetraetüülplii

Etüültetraetüülplii, also known as tetraethyllead (TEL), is an organolead compound with the chemical formula Pb(C2H5)4. It is a colorless to yellowish, oily liquid. Historically, its primary use was as an additive in gasoline, functioning as an anti-knock agent to increase the octane rating and improve engine performance. This application began in the 1920s and became widespread globally.

The combustion of leaded gasoline released tetraethyllead and its combustion products, including lead oxides and inorganic lead compounds, into the atmosphere. These lead emissions led to widespread environmental contamination and raised significant public health concerns due to the toxicity of lead, particularly its neurotoxic effects on children. Consequently, there has been a global phase-out of leaded gasoline, with most countries having banned its use.

Beyond its use in gasoline, tetraethyllead had limited industrial applications, primarily in the production of other organolead compounds. Due to the environmental and health risks associated with lead, its production and use have drastically declined. It is now considered a legacy pollutant in many areas.