Abstract: Cracked hydrocarbon gases are treated to remove contaminating compounds that react in caustic wash to form the reaction products which cause equipment fouling. The treating of the cracked hydrocarbon gases includes the contacting of a cracked hydrocarbon stream with an aqueous amine solution, prior to caustic washing, to remove carbonyl compounds contained in the cracked hydrocarbon gases. By treating the cracked hydrocarbons with an amine compound prior to caustic washing, the formation and deposition of fouling compounds upon the internal components of caustic treating equipment is inhibited.