ABSTRACT
Unleaded gasoline is marketed by two major consumers: Japan and the US The Japanese government decided in 1970 that all new cars from April 1972 should be able to run on lead-free regular gasoline. Since 1975, new automobiles in the US have been equipped with a catalytic converter which precludes the use of leaded gasoline. In Europe, resistance against lead-free gasoline is very strong as this change would open the possibility of introducing catalytic control of exhaust emissions. In the heated debate, leaded gasoline is often said not to be dangerous and to even possibly give rise to environmental benefits. For example, it has often been stated that the content of benzene and aromatics will increase if the lead level in gasoline is reduced. Pure methanol is an excellent substitute for gasoline in specially designed motors. Meth-anol-fueled prototype cars have shown impressive handling, driving performance, and acceleration power compared to ordinary gasoline engines.
