octane

Since the 1913 edition of Webster's dictionary, the nomenclature of hydrocarbons has become more specific in regards to structure. Octane is now specifically a string of eight linked carbon atoms, like so:

  H H H H H H H H
  | | | | | | | |
H-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-H
  | | | | | | | |
  H H H H H H H H

Other forms of C8H18 are not considered octane, but are identified by naming the longest string of carbon atoms, then referencing the branches off of them, as in 2-methyl-heptane, below:

  H H H H H H H
  | | | | | | |
H-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-H
  | | | | | | |
  H | H H H H H
  H-C-H
    |
    H

Transforms from jumbo jet to tanker truck to robot and back!

DECEPTICON: OCTANE

FUNCTION: FUELER
"He who has fuel, has power."

A greedy, mean-spirited bully. Enjoys watching fellow Decepticons become painfully inoperative from lack of fuel. Forces Autobots off roads and Aerialbots to abort landings just for fun. Crashes make him laugh. In jet mode: range 700 miles, maximum speed 750 mph. In tanker mode: range 65,000 miles, maximum speed 90 mph, carries 10,000 gallons of fuel. Carries fuel-powered flamethrower and deflecto-shield.

• Strength: 6
• Intelligence: 6
• Speed: 7
• Endurance: 4
• Rank: 7
• Courage: 4
• Firepower: 4
• Skill: 6

Transformers Tech Specs

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Octane was the third Triple Changer in the Decepticon lineup, and wasn't introduced until a year after his teammates Astrotrain and Blitzwing. Consequently he got shafted in the cartoon, with only two appearances to his name, one befriending the Autobot Triple Changer Sandstorm. I suppose that when your two vehicle modes are a commercial transport truck and a passenger plane, your combat usefulness is somewhat limited.

Oc"tane (?), n. [See Octa-] . Chem.

Any one of a group of metametric hydrocarcons (C8H18) of the methane series. The most important is a colorless, volatile, inflammable liquid, found in petroleum, and a constituent of benzene or ligroin.

 

© Webster 1913.