Synthesis, characterization, nonlinear optical and corrosion inhibition applications of new triazine derivatives

A novel triazine derivative, hexaphenyl‑1,3,5‑triazine‑2,4,6‑triamine, was synthesized through nucleophilic substitution of cyanuric chloride with diphenylamine. The compound was characterized using FT‑IR, UV–Vis spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. Strong reverse saturable absorption (RSA), self-defocusing refractive nonlinearity, and remarkable optical power limiting (OPL) behavior were found when nonlinear optical (NLO) properties were examined using Z-scan utilizing a CW 532 nm laser. Corrosion inhibition on mild steel in 0.1 M HCl was evaluated using potentiodynamic polarization and EIS, yielding a maximum inhibition efficiency of 83.76%. Nitrogen-centered adsorption sites and the significance of delocalized π-electrons in enhancing both NLO and corrosion inhibition behavior were highlighted by density functional theory calculations that corroborated experimental results. The multifunctional performance of this triazine derivative suggests its potential applications in smart protective coatings, optoelectronic devices, and corrosion‑resistant optical materials.