Abstract: The reaction characteristics of different asphaltene content on hydrotreating process were studied in an autoclave with decalin as a solvent. The results show that the <200 ℃ fraction and coke yield increase; The denitrogenation rate, saturated and aromatic contents in hydrotreated residue decrease; while the asphaltene conversion, desulfurization rate and resin content in hydrotreated residue have a maximum. The molecular weight of hydrotreated asphaltene is less than that of the primary asphaltene, indicating the removal of the alkyl side chains and unit chip of asphaltene in hydrotreating process. The increase of asphaltene content is unfavorable for asphaltene hydrotreating when the reactant is only asphaltene in reaction system.