Purpose This paper aims to study the inhibition effect of 2-pyridinealdazine on the corrosion of mild steel in an acidic medium. The inhibition effect was studied using weight loss, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and Tafel polarization measurements. Design/methodology/approach Weight loss measurements, potentiodynamic tests, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and spectral and conformational isomers analysis of A (E-PAA) and B (Z-PAA) were performed were investigated. Findings 2-pyridinealdazine (PAA) acts as a good inhibitor for the corrosion of steel in 2.0 M H₃PO₄. The inhibition efficiency increases with an increase in inhibitor concentration but decreases with an increase in temperature. Originality/value This paper is intended to be added to the family of azines which are highly efficient inhibitors and can be used in the area of corrosion prevention and control.