In present work the effects of nitromethane (NM) and nitroethane (NE) as nitrogenated additives on physical properties, combustion performance, and emission of diesel fuel, were studied. Nitrogenated additives have high oxygen content and are considered as oxygenated additives. These additives were blended with diesel fuel, in 1/9 volume ratio. The experimental study was carried out on ECE R-96 8-modes cycle. The result showed that the use of additives reduces viscosity but increases cetane index. In addition, nitrogenated additives increased brake thermal efficiency (BTE) while reduced certain exhaust emissions. Results of AVL SPC 472_MCE97 analysis showed that the addition of NE can reduce the overall smoke value by 44%. The smoke emission decreased at the maximum torque speed (1500 rpm) rather than at the rated power speed (2200 rpm). (C) 2014 The Institution of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.