Compounds having the formulae and general formulae: wherein each R1, R2, R3 and R4 are the same or different and may be hydrogen, an alkyl group, an aryl group, a halogen, a nitro group, an alkyl or aryl ester, and an alkyl or aryl ether; compounds having the general formula: wherein R is an alkyl, aryl or electron withdrawing group; mixtures thereof; can be used as additives for crude oil and hydrocarbons. These compounds may be used to scavenge mercaptans, sulfides, cyanides, and primary or secondary amines; either alone or in combination.