Tetraethyl Lead History

In 1921 Charles T. Kettering discovered Tetraethyl lead, and the fact that it was an excellent anti-knock agent for internal combustion engines. This discovery single handedly improved the performance of the modern internal combustion engine by allowing for higher compression ratios. Over the years studies showed that when leaded fuel is the norm, the environment is put in jeopardy. So the main steam use of TEL was eventually stopped in America, and the unleaded era started.

However, lead has always been used for race fuel, and aviation fuel manufacture in America.