Please cite this article as: L. Yohai, M. Vázquez, M.B. Valcarce, Phosphate ions as corrosion inhibitors for reinforcement steel in chloride-rich environments, Electrochimica Acta (2013), http://dx.doi.org/10. 1016/j.electacta.2013.03.180 This is a PDF file of an unedited manuscript that has been accepted for publication. As a service to our customers we are providing this early version of the manuscript. The manuscript will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and review of the resulting proof before it is published in its final form. Please note that during the production process errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain. Micro Raman spectra clearly show the incorporation of phosphates to the passive film.Impedance spectroscopy results can be interpreted assuming a duplex surface film formed in the presence of phosphates. In the conditions of this investigation, phosphate ions behave as mixed-type corrosion inhibitors, protecting steel against corrosion in chloride-contaminated environments.