In late 1883, Daimler and Maybach patented the first of their engines fueled by ligroin. In late 1883, Daimler and Maybach patented the first of their engines fueled by Ligroin. Ligroin is used as a laboratory solvent. The first functional diesel engine could also run on ligroin. She was supplied with ligroin by the apothecary Willi Ockel. In addition to kerosene and petrol, Diesel's engine could also operate on ligroin.