The anodic electrochemical behavior of AZ61 magnesium alloy in sodium hydroxide medium in the absence and presence of p-nitro-benzene-azo-resorcinol (PNBAR) was studied using electrochemical techniques. In the presence of PNBAR, organic conversion film formed on the surface of magnesium alloy. The nature of chemical mechanisms, bonds, and structures at the interface of PNBAR/ magnesium alloy was investigated by using energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. An in situ electrochemical deposition was evidenced to produce a corrosion protective barrier by the formation of organic conversion. lm of magnesium-PNBAR complex and to enhance. lm adhesion by the covalent bonds of Mg-O-N linkage. The linear sweep voltammetry experiments and the score tests were used to investigate the adhesion and evaluate the potential of corrosion resistance of organic conversion. lm. The results indicated the corrosion resistance of magnesium alloy was improved, the organic conversion. lm showed excellent adhesion not only to the substrate but also to the outer paint coatings. (C) 2008 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.