Originally Posted by edhackett
Originally Posted by BMWTurboDzl
Nope. Acetic acid is not a by-product from the combustion of ethanol. Ethanol in contact with oxygen can eventually oxidize into acetic acid but the burning of ethanol creates CO2 and H2O.
Oh, if it were only true, what a wonderful place the world would be. CO2 and H20 are the only two theoretical components of the combustion of gasoline too. In the real world, inside a combustion chamber, oxidation is not complete and hundreds of compounds are formed. These include alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, and organic acids. Alcohols are particularly prone to forming aldehydes and acids as their structures are related.
Ed
As if gasoline is any purer for the environment. There are positives and negatives for every fuel out there. Even using hyrdogen in a internal combustion engine will generate NOx. Even though water vapor is all that should come out the pipe.
I was primarily using E85 for two years straight while the price spread was so favorable. I now am using E15. About the same mpg as E10 but a nickel to a dime lower per gallon. So right now it is the best value. And that is the only real reason I have flex fuel vehicles. I like the ability to choose from a smorgasbord of fuels, choosing the one that delivers the best overall value on a cost per mile basis. I readily have E0, E10, E15, E20, E30, E50, and E85 in my area. I know the average mpg I get from each fuel. As the prices change seasonally, I select the fuel that offers me the best value. It is just that simple for me. I could give a rip about the politics and whatever behind the scene.