Distillate samples, generated by the hydrocracking of low-temperature Fischer-Tropsch (LTFT) wax over a noble metal catalyst, were investigated with analytical techniques such as high-performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to determine the extent and nature of aromatics formed. Low levels (<2 wt %) of aromatics were identified, and the majority of those compounds were short-chain alkylated benzenes. Bicyclic aromatic structures such as alkylated naphthalenes but not significant levels of larger condensed aromatic ring systems were detected. Short-chain olefins are most likely the molecules initiating aromatic formation according to the product spectrum identified by GC-MS. Aromatic conversion appears to follow the conventional pathway of initial ring hydrogenation with subsequent cracking on acid sites. The bifunctional nature of the catalyst and the reaction conditions applied during LTFT wax hydrocracking do not contribute to a significant level of aromatics. The result is a distillate of inherently low density (760-780 kg m(-3)).