C8H18 is the chemical formula for octane, a hydrocarbon that is a key component of gasoline. It consists of eight carbon atoms and eighteen hydrogen atoms, making it part of the alkane family. Octane is known for its role in fuel performance, as it helps to prevent engine knocking in internal combustion engines. In the context of fuel, the octane rating measures a fuel's ability to resist knocking during combustion. Higher octane ratings indicate better performance in high-compression engines, which are commonly found in modern vehicles. This makes octane an important factor in the automotive industry and for engine efficiency.