A low toxicity corrosion inhibitor for use in hydrochloric acid cleaning formulations has been developed. This formulation does not contains formaldehyde. It contains cinnamaldehyde, quaternary nitrogen salts, and a nonionic surfactant, none of which are currently known or suspected to be carcinogens. In laboratory tests, corrosion protection values were equivalent to those provided by current commercial acid inhibitors. Field tests using the low toxicity inhibitor have been conducted.
Key words: Acetylenic alcohol, inhibitor, hydrochloric acid, quaternary ammonium salt