Chemical kinetic study of triptane (2,2,3-trimethylbutane) as an anti-knock additive

Abstract

2,2,3-Trimethylbutane (i.e., triptane) is a potential gasoline octane booster with a research octane number (RON) of 112. Recent studies showed that it can be catalytically produced with high selectivity from methanol (CH3OH) and dimethyl ether (DME), which presents a promising route for utilizing biomass derivatives as transportation fuels. Understanding the ignition properties of triptane at engine relevant conditions is crucial for its further evaluation. In this work, a detailed kinetic model for triptane combustion is developed and validated. The rate rules for the low-temperature oxidation reactions are evaluated based on quantum chemistry calculations from literature, and thermochemical properties of all the species are assessed based on new thermodynamic group values with careful treatment of gauche interactions. In addition, alternative isomerization pathways for peroxy-alkylhydroperoxide species (ȮOQOOH) are incorporated in the model. The model is validated against new ignition delay data from facilities at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST): rapid compression machine (RCM) experiments at pressures of 20 and 40 bar, equivalence ratios of 0.5 and 1 and across a temperature range of 620 to 1015 K, and shock tube experiments at 2 and 5 bar, 0.5 and 1 equivalence ratio and over 1000–1400 K. Moreover, the model prediction of various species is compared against species profiles from jet stirred reactor experiments at three equivalence ratios (0.5, 1 and 2) at atmospheric pressure. Finally, triptane is compared with its less branched isomers, n-heptane and 2-methylhexane, to evaluate the effect of branching on fuel reactivity and importance of alternative isomerization pathway.