Corrosion inhibition of copper by potassium ethyl xanthate in acidic chloride solutions

The influence of pH and concentration of potassium ethyl xanthate (KEtX) on the spontaneous dissolution of copper in acidic chloride solutions containing oxygen has been studied. The degree of copper protection increases with an increase in pH and concentration of KEtX. An adherent layer of inhibitor is postulated to account for the protective effect. The adsorption of KEtX has been found to occur on the surface of copper according to the Langmuir isotherm. KEtX is chemically adsorbed on the copper surface.