The Aniline point is the minimum temperature at which an equal volume of aniline (a type of organic compound) and a specific hydrocarbon (such as gasoline or oil) are completely miscible or mix together without forming separate layers.
In simple terms, it’s a measure of how easily a particular fuel or oil can dissolve in aniline. The Aniline point is an important property because it gives an indication of the aromatic content in the fuel or oil. Fuels with lower Aniline points generally have higher aromatic content, which can affect properties like combustion characteristics and engine performance.
Why is it important?
- Lower Aniline point indicates a higher aromatic content, which can lead to increased fuel efficiency and higher energy content, but may also lead to more pollutants when burned.
- Higher Aniline point suggests a cleaner, more paraffinic (saturated) content, which is usually better for engine health but may provide slightly lower energy content.
In the petroleum industry, Aniline point can be used as an indicator for the type and quality of oil or gasoline.