A new corrosion inhibitor for copper protection

• Methyl 3-((2-mercaptophenyl)imino)butanoate was synthesized as new inhibitor.
• It is an efficient inhibitor for copper corrosion in acidic chloride solution.
• The molecule was designed with azole, thiol functional and carboxylate tail groups.

Methyl 3-((2-mercaptophenyl)imino)butanoate (MMPB) was synthesized as inhibitor compound for copper protection. The molecule was designed with azole, thiol functional groups and carboxylate tail group. The inhibition efficiency was examined in acidic chloride media, by means of various electrochemical and spectroscopy techniques. Electrochemical study results showed that high efficiency of MMPB was mainly related with its capability of complex formation with Cu(I) at the surface. The thiol group also improves the adsorptive interaction with the surface, as the carboxylate groups provide extra intermolecular attraction.