The effect of corrosion inhibitors such as CuCO(3), CuSO(4), and Na(2)SO(3) on the oxidation of MEA has been investigated. The products of oxidative degradation of MEA were analyzed with or without the corrosion inhibitors. The corrosion inhibitor effects on the oxidative degradation of MEA and the extent of oxidative degradation is in the order CuCO(3) > CuSO(4) > MEA without inhibitors > Na(2)SO(3). There was no difference in absorption/desorption rates among MEA solutions with and without the corrosion inhibitors. Among the products of the oxidative degradation of MEA, formate and acetate were dominant degradation products and nitrites and nitrates were also present in large amounts. The corrosion inhibitors CuCO(3) and CuSO(4) acted as catalysts for oxidative degradation of MEA. CuCO(3) and CuSO(4) influenced the formation of carboxylic acids (formate, acetate, and oxalate), but did not influence the formation of nitrogen products (nitrites and nitrates). Na(2)SO(3) slightly inhibited the oxidative degradation of MEA and did not produce more oxidation products than CuCO(3) and CuSO(4).