AbstractThis paper reports on the synthesis and tribological performance of N‐ZDDP, a type of additive containing nitrogen, that is O,O‐diaryl‐N‐methylene‐O,O‐zinc dialkyldithiophosphate, synthesised by Mannich and other reactions, and useful for improving antioxidation and anticorrosion behaviour in hydraulic, gear, and engine oils. Compared with conventional zinc dialkyldithiophosphate (ZDDP), N‐ZDDP widens the thermal decomposition temperature range, and its antioxidant behaviour is improved by 40%, and its anticorrosion properties by 50%. The load‐carrying capacity of N‐ZDDP is superior to that of ZDDP; its wear resistance, however, is simila