Investigation of ammonium (2,4-dimethylphenyl)-dithiocarbamate as a new, effective corrosion inhibitor for mild steel

•Ammonium (2,4-dimethylphenyl)-dithiocarbamate is highly efficient corrosion inhibitor.•Inhibition is explained with chemisorbed monolayer complex between Fe2+ and inhibitor.•The methyl functionalized benzene ring produced extra stability for long term efficiency.•The inhibitor is able to adsorb on surface, by both physical and chemical means.