Octane is a hydrocarbon compound commonly found in gasoline. It is a key component that helps determine the fuel's performance in engines. The octane rating measures a fuel's ability to resist knocking or pinging during combustion, which can damage the engine. Higher octane ratings indicate better performance for high-compression engines, often used in sports cars and luxury vehicles. The most common form of octane is iso-octane, which is used as a standard reference point for octane ratings. Fuels with higher octane ratings, such as premium gasoline, are often recommended for certain vehicles to ensure optimal performance and efficiency.