Abstract: A process for reducing the mutagenicity of a coal-tar-based product containing polynuclear aromatic compounds. The process includes the step of contacting the coal-tar-based product in the presence of an alkylating agent with an acid catalyst under alkylation conditions sufficient to reduce the mutagenicity of the polynuclear aromatic containing coal-tar-based material to a level less than the initial mutagenicity index value. Also provided are non-carcinogenic coal-tar-derived products.

Abstract: A process for reducing the mutagenicity of a polynuclear aromatic containing material containing from three to seven fused aromatic rings, especially a hydrocarbon refinery stream. The process reduces the initial mutagenicity index to a lower value by alkylating the compound with an alkylating agent which introduces an alkyl substituent having from three to five carbon atoms into the aromatic compound in the presence of an acid catalyst under alkylation conditions.

Abstract: Non-carcinogenic asphalts and asphalt blending stocks are produced from reduced hydrocarbon feedstocks. Such non-carcinogenic products are produced by establishing a functional relationship between mutagenicity index and a physical property correlative of hydrocarbon type for the asphalt or asphalt blending stock and determining a critical physical property level which, when achieved, results in a product having a mutagenicity index of less than about 1.0. Process conditions are established so that a product stream achieving the desired physical property level can be produced. Non-carcinogenic asphalts and asphalt blending stocks are then processed utilizing the conditions so established.

Abstract: Non-carcinogenic bright stock extracts and/or deasphalted oils are produced from reduced hydrocarbon feedstocks. Such non-carcinogenic products are produced by establishing a functional relationship between mutagenicity index and a physical property correlative of hydrocarbon type for the bright stock extract or deasphalted oil and determining a critical physical property level which, when achieved, results in a product having a mutagenicity index of less than about 1.0. Process conditions are established so that a product stream achieving the desired physical property level can be produced. Non-carcinogenic bright stock extracts and/or deasphalted oils are then processed utilizing the conditions so established. A bright stock extract and a deasphalted oil substantially free from mutagenic activity, as well as processes for their production are also provided herein.

Abstract: Non-carcinogenic bright stock extracts and/or deasphalted oils are produced from reduced hydrocarbon feedstocks. Such non-carcinogenic products are produced by establishing a functional relationship between mutagenicity index and a physical property correlative of hydrocarbon type for the bright stock extract or deasphalted oil and determining a critical physical property level which, when achieved, results in a product having a mutagenicity index of less than about 1.0. Process conditions are established so that a product stream achieving the desired physical property level can be produced. Non-carcinogenic bright stock extracts and/or deasphalted oils are then processed utilizing the conditions so established. A bright stock extract and a deasphalted oil substantilly free from mutagenic activity, as well as processes for their production are also provided herein.

Abstract: 1-Bromopinacolone is a microbial biocide that is highly effective in suppressing the growth of bacteria, fungi and algae which can occur during storage and use of hydrocarbon oils including gasoline, jet fuel and heating oil. It is particularly effective in emulsifiable oils for metal working, such as cutting oils and rolling oils.

Abstract: A method for rapidly and reliably determining the potential carcinogenic activity of hydrocarbon mixtures which is especially useful for those of petroleum origin. A sample of the mixture is nitrated under conditions effective to convert the polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons to their nitrated derivatives, and without separation of the nitrated components, the product is incubated with an inoculum of Salmonella typhimurium tester strain T98. The excessive production of revertant colonies is a measure of the mutagenic activity of the oil, and this measure is shown to correlate with dermal carcinogenic activity.

Abstract: A very rapid, sensitive method if provided for determination of the potential mutagenicity and/or carcinogenicity of certain petroleum oils by nitration of the oil and comparison of the light absorbance of its nitrated material with that obtained from one or more oils of known mutagenicity and/or carcinogenicity.

Abstract: This invention provides a biochemical method for determining the presence of toxic or mutagenic aldehyde in a test article. A sample of the test article is treated with an aldehyde dehydrogenase, such as formaldehyde dehydrogenase, and the change of growth characteristics of an indicator cell produced by the treatment are used for the determination.

Abstract: A method is provided for rapidly and reliably determining the potential carcinogenic activity of hydrocarbon mixtures which is especially useful for those of petroleum origin. A sample of the mixture is extracted with dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO). An inoculum of Salmonella typhimurium tester strain T98 is incubated in the presence of an aliquot of the extract together with an optimal amount of induced rat liver homogenate S9. The excessive production of revertant colonies is a measure of the mutagenic activity of the oil, and this measure is shown to correlate with dermal carcinogenic activity.