Corrosion inhibition of four diquaternary N,N-pentane-2,4-diylidenedipyridin-4-amine (NDSI), N,N-(3-benzylidenepentane-2,4-diylidene)dipyridin-4-amine (NBDSI), N,N-[3-(4-methoxybenzylidene)pentane-2,4-diylidene]dipyridin-4-amine (NMDSI) and N,N-[3-(4-chlorobenzylidene)pentane-2,4-diylidene]dipyridin-4-amine (NCDSI) on carbon steel was investigated by gravimetric measurements, polarisation and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The effect of concentration and immersion time was studied. The results show that the inhibitors are good inhibitor for corrosion reaction of carbon steel and obey Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Polarisation curves showed their behaviours as mixed-type inhibitors. EIS spectra exhibit one capacitive loop and confirm the inhibitive ability. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.