Phosphorous-free oil soluble molybdenum complexes as high temperature fouling inhibitors

A method of inhibiting deposition of a foulant in a metal containment contacted by a hydrocarbon fluid containing the foulant, comprising the step of introducing an antifouling composition into the metal equipment or the hydrocarbon fluid, wherein the antifouling composition comprises a sulfur-containing molybdenum fouling inhibitor having the general formula selected from Formula I:

• wherein R of Formula I represents a group selected from the group consisting of an alcohol group, an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, or an aryl group;
• and n of Formula I is 4-10.