Inhibitory protection of metals by propargyl alcohol. A review

• Ya.G. Avdeev

Frumkin Institute of Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 31-4, Leninsky prospect, 119071 Moscow, Russia

Abstract: Literature data on the protection of metals in aqueous solutions with propargyl alcohol (PA) are summarized and analyzed. The physicochemical properties of PA, methods of its production, results of comparative experimental studies on the protection of metals with PA in aqueous solutions, and some aspects of the mechanism of its inhibiting action are considered. The results of the studies on the protection of low-carbon steels in HCl solutions under high-temperature corrosion conditions (t≤170°С) using PA alone and PA-based mixtures are presented. The efficiency of PA in protecting steels in HCl solutions, including high-temperature media, is largely attributed to the unique ability of its molecules to undergo chemical transformations resulting in the formation of a protective polymer film on the metal surface (the adsorption-polymerization mechanism of the inhibitor action). The optimal method for steel protection with PA under industrial conditions is the application of PA not alone but as a component of mixed corrosion inhibitors (CIs). This reduces the consumption of this compound and expands the temperature range of its efficient application. The poor prospects for using PA as a corrosion inhibitor for metals in weakly acidic, neutral, and alkaline aqueous solutions are probably related to its inability to operate through an adsorption-polymerization mechanism in these media. The studies related to the development of protective coatings for steels modified with PA are of practical interest. Important areas related to further studies of PA as a corrosion inhibitor are identified. The bibliography includes 172 references.

Keywords: metals, corrosion, corrosion inhibitors, propargyl alcohol, prop-2-yn-1-ol, acetylene alcohols, acetylene compounds

Int. J. Corros. Scale Inhib., 2026, 15, no. 4, 146-178
doi: 10.17675/2305-6894-2026-15-4-6

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