Does gasoline lost its volatility if it just sits around? Reason I ask is

[ProfessorGAC]

20. Only Sort Of

Because of the unsaturation in the chains, gas will undergo mild oxidation when exposed to the atmosphere for a long time.

It will form some varnishes, aldehydes, ketones, and carboxylates. But, since those are still going to be low molecular weight, they'll still burn. They won't be as flammable, but still very combustible.

Gas used to varnish much worse, but the distillation processes have improved to the point that the lighter "enes" are lower in concentration.

Since aldehydes and acids can polymerize, you can get some filming. That's why a lawn mower might not start in the spring if you've left gas in the carborator all winter. The little orifice can get plugged with the varnish and the polymers. But a bulk storage of gasonline won't form enough of that to matter much.

GAC