Abstract: This invention involves the preparation of selected metal dithiobenzoates by electrolysis of a substituted dithiobenzoic acid with a metal. It further involves the use of such metal dithiobenzoates as additives in lubricating hydrocarbon compositions.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the selective removal of basic nitrogen compounds (BNC) from natural and synthetic hydrocarbon feedstocks, preferably petroleum feedstocks, most preferably lube and transformer oils, which method comprises mixing the feedstock oil with a nonaqueous solution of anhydrous nonpolymeric Group IVb, Group Vb, Group VIb, Group VIIb, the non-noble (iron group) metals of Group VIII, copper, zinc, cadmium, and mercury halides (except TiCl.sub.4 or FeCl.sub.3) or tetrafluoroborates, complexed with non-aqueous polar solvents under conditions of agitation and mild heating whereby the basic nitrogen compounds exchange with the polar solvent to complex with the above-recited metal halides and metal tetrafluoroborates. The preferred halide is bromide, and the preferred polar solvent is methanol. The oil is then decanted to separate it from the metal halides: BNC complexes and the decantate washed with a polar solvent, which preferably includes water, and dried.