Imidazolines and amidic precursors were synthesized with good yields through an optimized process. These compounds were evaluated as corrosion inhibitors in an aqueous solution of 1.0 M HCl by gravimetric and polarization techniques. AISI 1018 carbon steel displayed a corrosion rate dependent on the molecular structure and concentration of inhibitor in the testing environment. Adsorption of inhibitors was found to follow the Langmuir's isotherm, this concept together with Gibbs' free energy provided the basis to arrange corrosion inhibitors according to efficiency and stability. The surface analysis by AFM displayed that the damage on the metallic surface was considerably reduced in the presence of certain inhibitors. XPS determined the presence of a layer of inhibitor on the metal surface with protective properties. (c) 2005 Published by Elsevier B.V.