The distribution of basic and non-basic nitrogen compounds along the distillation curves of the middle distillates atmospheric gas oil (AGO) and light cycle oil (LCO), used as feedstocks for diesel fuel production, is presented in this paper. For this purpose, the total and basic nitrogen content of true boiling point distillation fractions of AGO and LCO were obtained, followed by nitrogen compounds identification by a GC-MS technique. The ratio of quinoline, indole and carbazole derivatives was determined as 1/0.75/2.5 in AGO. In LCO, a 1/2.3/12.2 ratio of aniline, indole and carbazole derivatives was found. A complete physical and chemical characterization of both AGO and LCO is also presented. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.