Two model compounds, n-dodecylpyridinium bromide (n-DDPB) and l-octyn-3-01, were tested in HCI acid as inhibitors for J55 oilfield steel. This paper describes the kinetic and chemical analyses conducted to arrive at inhibition mechanisms for these model compounds. These studies show that the pyridinium forms a weak bond with the chloride-covered surface and is sensitive to temperature and [HCI]. Octynol, however, chemisorbs and produces a film that contains a reaction product of the acetylenic alcohol. This film is quite insensitive to changes in temperature and [HCI].