Thiol (-SH) substituent as functional motif for effective corrosion protection: A review on current advancements and future directions

Thiols are the compounds that contain –SH functional group in their molecular structures. They are also called as sulfanyls, sulfhydryls or mercaptans. Generally, thiol based compounds behave as strong ligands for binding with the metallic surface. Their binding ability with the metallic surface can be further improved by introducing the aromatic ring(s), polar substituents and hydrocarbon chains. Literature survey shows that compounds containing thiol functional group are widely used as corrosion inhibitors. Obviously, during metal-inhibitor interaction, –SH functional group interacts and adsorbs on the metallic surface whereas remaining part of the molecule acts as water repellent. Most of the thiol compounds become effective by adsorbing on the metallic surface that mostly follows the Langmuir absorption isotherm model. Most of the thiol compounds act as mixed-type inhibitors and their presence affect the anodic as well as cathodic reactions. Present review article describes the collection on some major and recent progresses on thiols as corrosion inhibitors. • In the present review thiol (-SH) based compounds surveyed as corrosion inhibitors. • –SH functional group acts as effective motif for interactions with the metallic surface. • –SH functional group interacts and adsorbs on metallic surface during metal-inhibitor interactions. • Thiol base compounds mostly behaved as mixed-type and their adsorption obeyed the Langmuir isotherm model. • Inhibition effectiveness of thiols can be further improved through synergism and modifying them with natural polymers.