Anti-corrosion behavior of 2-(((4-((2-morpholinoethyl)(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)amino)butyl)imino)methyl)naphthalen-1-ol on mild steel in hydrochloric acid solution: Experimental and theoretical studies

•Synthesis and characterization of a Schiff base ligand containing morpholine tags.•The quantum chemical examinations demonstrated the existence of added heteroatoms.•Corrosion analysis disclosed over 90% inhibition efficiency at optimum concentration.•A combination of physical and chemical mechanisms occurred for the compound.•Scanning electron microscopy verified its effectiveness against acidic corrosion.