Inhibition of the corrosion of steel in hydrochloric acid solution by some organic molecules containing the methylthiophenyl moiety

The corrosion inhibition effect of 2-[4-(methylthio) phenyl] acetohydrazide (HYD), 2-{[4-(methylthio) phenyl] acetyl} hydrazinecarbothioamide (TAD) and 5-[4-(methylthio) benzyl]-4H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiol (TRD) on steel in 1.0 M HCl was investigated by mass loss and electrochemical methods. The effect of concentration, temperature and immersion time was studied. The results indicated that the compounds are efficient, mixed type and pursue Flory–Huggins adsorption isotherm. The inhibition efficiency at lower concentration of inhibitor decreased with temperature while at higher concentration, it is retained and the calculated free energy attributes this to comprehensive adsorption. The efficiency stands in the order TRD > TAD > HYD and is confirmed by the Quantum studies.

► Acid corrosion inhibition. ► Work in small concentration. ► Effective at higher temperature. ► Effect of different functional groups, cyclisation and aromaticity.