Determination of octane numbers in gasoline by distillation curves and partial least squares regression

► PLS applied to distillation curves enables the prediction of octane numbers. ► For MON and RON, the fractions lower than 60% v/v were the most important variables. ► The paraffins and ethanol content has the highest influence on MON. ► The paraffins content has the highest influence on MON. ► The method produced highly accurate results and is suitable for routine analysis.