AbstractCertain S‐containing organic compounds were synthesized and their extreme pressure (EP) properties assessed. The series of compounds studied were: S‐alkylisodithiobiurets, alkyl‐S‐alkyl xanthates, S‐alkylisothioamides, S‐benzylisothiocarbamides and 1‐formamidino‐2‐benzyliso‐3‐arylthiocarbamides. These additives were compared with a commercial additive. The tribological end effects were studied using a Scanning Electron Microscope. Some of the compounds tested were found to be effective EP additives.Wherever possible, a plausible explanation for the enhanced activity has been given, and we have attempted to correlate the effect of substituents on efficiency. Also, the effect of additives on balls of different compositions is discussed. The possibility of replacing the costly chromium steel alloy balls by less costly mild steel balls is suggested.Some of the additives developed are found to be effective on balls of certain compositions while they are a total failure on the chromium steel balls. The studies reveal that some additives are effective on mild steel balls as well as chromium alloy steel balls. They can be very good substitutes for commercial additives with bearing balls of standard composition.As chromium alloy steel balls are much costlier there is a need to replace expensive alloy steel balls with cheaper low carbon steel balls, for certain specific purposes. This can be achieved by using suitable indigenous additives that are found to be effective on l