This study aimed to develop and validate an analytical method for determining the concentration of ZDDP in lubricating oils by infrared spectrometry. We chose to express the concentration of ZDDP based on phosphorus content, due to the need for comparison with analytical techniques that determine the total of this element. The method was able to determine the level of phosphorus by spectrometry in the infrared range from 0.0770 to 0.1500% m/m, this represents around 0.96 to 1.87% m/m of the ZDDP additives studied. Date was obtained with ten scans in absorbance in the range of wave number 1100 - 900 cm-1, resolution 0.5 cm-1, using zinc selenite cell (ZnSe) with 0.10 mm optical path. The analytical curves were constructed using a linear regression by the method of least squares. Real samples were analyzed and the results were compared with those obtained by the technique of ICP-OES. Validation was carried out evaluating the following parameters: specificity and selectivity, working range, linear working range and linearity, sensitivity, accuracy and tendency (bias), accuracy, robustness and uncertainty of measurement. Based on the results were possible to use the methodology in quality control of products whose formulation is composed of ZDDP. Statistical analysis showed that no significant difference between the techniques studied (ICP-OES and IR), considering the range and the products in question. We applied the Student t-test to compare the certified value of the concentration of phosphorus of a MRC with the values obtained using the proposed method. Statistical analysis of results showed that no significant difference between the value of the concentration of phosphorus and the certified value found.