Cetane improver

Due to its chemical composition, a cetane improver additive has the faculty to decompose itself at lower temperature than diesel fuel.

The additive’s exothermic decomposition leads to successive fuel reactions that result in the start of the combustion at low temperature.

Diesel fuel is a fraction of a crude, mixed with several additives,[citation needed] compliant with various environmental constraints, in order to be commercialized and added into engines.

[citation needed] Refiners also use cetane improver additives in their premium diesel fuel for enhanced performances.

While gasoline needs a spark to be ignited, diesel fuel requires only the combination of the right pressure and temperature to start the combustion, with no outside assistance.