2-[(E)-{(1S,2R)-1-Hydroxy-1-phenylpropan-2-ylimino}methyl]phenol for Inhibition of Acid Corrosion of Mild Steel

2-[( E )-{(1 S ,2 R )-1-hydroxy-1-phenylpropan-2-ylimino}methyl]phenol has been synthesized and its influence on corrosion of mild steel in 1 M HCl solution has been studied by means of weight loss and electrochemical measurements under various circumstances. The inhibitor showed a maximum of 91 % of inhibition efficiency at 100 ppm. Interestingly, the inhibition efficiency has decreased on increasing the inhibitor concentration. This abnormal behavior is attributed to the release of phenolic hydrogen from the molecule. The mechanism of corrosion inhibition follows Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The negative ∆ G ads indicates the spontaneous adsorption of the inhibitor on mild steel surface. Potentiodynamic polarization studies show that it is a mixed type inhibitor with predominant cathodic inhibition. UV–Visible spectroscopy of the inhibitor and inhibitor adsorbed on the mild steel confirmed the chemical interaction of the inhibitor with the metal surface.