The inhibition effect and adsorption of bis(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate (EHP) a
nd dioctyl phosphate (DOP) anions ((C8H17-O)(2)P(O)OH) in the depassivation
of iron, aluminum, and zinc in neutral solutions were studied by electroch
emical and ellipsometric methods. Both the anions exhibit high passivating
properties; DOP is superior to EHP in passivating iron and has a considerab
le aftereffect. The adsorption of dialkyl phosphates on passive iron from a
berate buffer is governed by the Frumkin isotherm.