N-[(octyloxycarbonylmethyl)-N-triethanol ammonium chloride] (C-8), N-[(dodecyloxycarbonylmethyl)-N-triethanol ammonium chloride] (C-12) and N-[(hexadecyloxycarbonylmethyl)-N-triethanol ammonium chloride] (C-16) were synthesized. Surface tension was measured in aqueous solution for different concentrations at 28, 38 and 48 degrees C. Various surface properties of the synthesized surfactants were evaluated, particularly critical micelle concentration (CMC), efficiency (Pi(CMC)) as well as maximum surface excess (Gamma(max)) and minimum surface area (A(min)). Micellization and adsorption in both liquid/air and liquid/solid interfaces thermodynamics were investigated. These products have pronounced surface activity and satisfactory corrosion inhibition of C-steel in hydrochloric acid at 28, 38 and 48 degrees C.