Abstract: Asphaltene, the most polar and heaviest component in petroleum, is very easy to flocculate and precipitate, resulting in problems in petroleum storing, transporting and processing. Adding chemical additives is one of the most effective ways to reduce and control asphaltene precipitation. In this paper, the progress of asphaltene chemical additives in recent ten years was reviewed from the aspects of classification, structural features, mechanism and effect of chemical additives. Factors that affect the effect of asphaltene chemical additives were analyzed. Finally, selection and synthesis of asphaltene chemical additives were suggested.

Key words: asphaltene, dispersant, inhibitor, chemical additive