Octane is a hydrocarbon compound found in gasoline, playing a crucial role in determining fuel performance. It is measured using the octane rating, which indicates a fuel's ability to resist knocking or pinging during combustion. Higher octane ratings generally mean better performance for high-compression engines, such as those found in sports cars. In addition to its use in fuels, octane is also a key component in the production of various chemicals and materials. It can be derived from crude oil through refining processes and is essential for creating petrochemicals used in plastics and other products.