This invention relates to processes for making nitro compounds derived from C2-C30 unsaturated fatty acids; C2-C30 unsaturated fatty oils; esters derived from the reaction of C1-C20 alcohols with unsaturated C2-C30 fatty acids; C2-C20 polyolefins; C4-C20 polydiolefins; C8-C20 copolymers derived from polyolefins and vinyl aromatics; and C4-C30 alkylated phenols using nitric acid or gaseous nitrogen dioxide. This class of extreme-pressure additives was found extremely effective in processing steel, stainless steel and special titanium and nickel or low-iron alloys.