1-Ethyl-5-mercapto-1H-tetrazole as a Copper Corrosion Inhibitor in H2SO4 Solution

This work explores the use of a common molecule on pharmaceuticals, 1-Ethyl-5-Mercapto Tetrazole (EMTT), to protect copper in 0.5M H 2 SO 4 solution. The addition of EMTT in sulfuric acid solution was verified to be protective of copper by testing electrochemistry, with a maximum inhibition efficiency of 88.30% at 200 mg/L. The electrochemical results were supported by the results of the surface morphology of copper specimen immersed. Finally, quantum chemical calculations were carried out to explain the retarding effect mechanistically.