Abstract: An additive for alkanol-containing fuels is disclosed which has improved lubricating and wear characteristics. The additive comprises an ester of a monocarboxylic or polycarboxylic acid and a polyhydric alcohol.

Abstract: A colorimetric method for detecting the presence of alcohol in hydrocarbons, such as gasoline, is disclosed. The method comprises contacting the hydrocarbon with a mixture comprising:i. an alcohol soluble, hydrocarbon insoluble dye; andii. a solid insoluble in hydrocarbon and alcohol whereby the mixture undergoes a color change in the presence of alcohol.The hydrocarbon sample preferably is contacted with a drying agent to remove dissolved water prior to contacting the mixture.

Abstract: Certain high boiling (e.g. above 600.degree. F) fuel oils, such as atmospheric residua fuel oils, and vacuum distillate fuels, e.g., flash distillate oils, vacuum bottoms, and various fuel blends containing said oils, which are deficient in an asphaltene component can be made more responsive to polymeric flow improvers by treating them with certain asphaltene materials. These asphaltene materials may be added either directly to the oil or first combined with the flow improver and the combination added to the oil. The polymeric flow improvers are polymers having long linear side chains. The asphaltene materials added to the oil, will generally have a heptane precipitatable asphaltene content of 5 to 100% by weight and can either be asphaltenes per se, or an oil fraction high in asphaltenes.