Purpose -The paper's aim is to study tribological performances of two 2-mercaptobenzothiazole derivatives which are ashless and lacking in phosphorous as lubricating oil additives in HVIW H150 base oils. Design/methodology/approach -The two 2-mercaptobenzothiazole derivatives were synthesized; their tribological performances were evaluated with a four-ball machine, and the worn surface was analyzed with a X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Findings -The two compounds possess good anti-wear properties and excellent load-carrying capacity. According to the XPS results, the additive reacted with counter-face metal and generated a sulphur-containing inorganic film consisting of FeS, FeS 2 and FeSO 4 , and a complex N-containing resin polymer film. Research limitations/implications -Their antioxidant properties are not estimated, and their anti-wear action mechanism need to be further explored. Practical implications -Two useful ashless AW lubricating oil additives were synthesized, and may be has potential as gas engine lubricating oil additives. Originality/value -This paper provides a study of some N, S-containing heterocyclic compounds as lubricating oil additives.