The inhibition of type 304LSS general corrosion in hydrochloric acid by the New Fuchsin compound

•New Fushin has been studied as an inhibitor of the corrosion of Type 304L SS in hydrochloric acid.•Inhibition was studied potentiodynamically (PDP), and by using the EIS, SEM, and EDX techniques.•The study was complemented by DFT calculations and Monte Carlo simulation (MCS).•The data were interpreted in terms of the Point Defect Model (PDM) and the Anion-Catalyzed Active Dissolution Model (ACADM).•DFT and MCS simulation show that aromatic rings and -NH2 groups laterally interact with the Cr2O3 surface. Inhibition of Type 304 L SS corrosion in 0.5 M HCl by New Fuchsin is reported using potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) techniques. The study was complemented by DFT calculations and Monte Carlo simulation (MCS), and the data were interpreted in terms of the Point Defect Model (PDM) and the Anion-Catalyzed Active Dissolution Model (ACADM). Both account for the experimental data. DFT and MCS simulation show that aromatic rings and -NH2 groups interact with the Cr2O3 surface and the inhibitor adopts a lateral configuration on the surface.