It is an important component of gasoline, frequently used in relatively large proportions (around 10%) to increase the knock resistance of fuel.

[2][3] Strictly speaking, if the standard meaning of ‘iso’ is followed, the name isooctane should be reserved for the isomer 2-methylheptane.

[4] Isooctane is produced on a massive scale in the petroleum industry by alkylation of isobutene with isobutane.

This process is conducted in alkylation units in the presence of acid catalysts.

The same test motors, run in the same fashion, using heptane, gave a performance which was standardized as 0 octane.