A supramolecular complex was synthesized based on beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) and octadecylamine (ODA) in n-hexane through speeding hybrid method. From the phase solubility diagram, the increased solubility of ODA in aqueous solution was observed. The data of proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (H-1 NMR), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) demonstrated the formation of supramolecular structure between beta-CD and ODA. The complex could release ODA molecules in the condensate water, which could form a monomolecular hydrophobic layer on the mild carbon steel to protect the metal by isolating the corrosive ions and dissolved oxygen. 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.