tetraetüültina

Tetraetüültina, also known as tetraethyllead or TEL, is an organometallic compound with the chemical formula Pb(C₂H₅)₄. It is a colorless to yellowish, oily liquid with a sweet odor. Historically, TEL was widely used as an additive in gasoline. Its primary function was to increase the octane rating of the fuel, preventing engine knocking and allowing for higher compression ratios. This improved engine performance and efficiency.

The addition of TEL to gasoline began in the 1920s and became commonplace throughout the 20th century. However, concerns about the environmental and health impacts of lead emissions from vehicle exhaust led to a gradual phase-out of leaded gasoline in many countries starting in the 1970s and continuing into the early 2000s. The lead from TEL combustion is released into the atmosphere, where it can accumulate in soil and water. Lead is a neurotoxin, and exposure, particularly in children, can lead to developmental problems and other health issues.

While its use in gasoline has been largely discontinued, small amounts of tetraetüültina may still be used in certain specialized applications, such as aviation gasoline (avgas) for some piston-engine aircraft, and in some industrial processes. The production and use of TEL are now heavily regulated in most parts of the world due to the well-documented toxicity of lead.