Abstract Numerous attempts have been made to enhance the corrosion inhibition (%IE) of organic compounds. Each method has its own advantages and drawbacks. One of the important methods of enhancing %IE of organic compounds is their chemical functionalization which involves addition of polar functional groups, which enhances %IE due to combined effect of enhanced solubility and the number of adsorption centers. A large number of organic compounds derivatized through covalent and noncovalent functionalization are extensively used as corrosion inhibitors. It is well documented that properly functionalized organic compounds show higher %IE than the parent compounds. Other important factors that usually affect corrosion inhibition performance are transportability rate, immersion time, planarity, strength of electrolyte, and synergism. In the present article effect of these factors has been discussed. A proper understanding of these factors will help corrosion scientists and engineers in designing and synthesis (formulation) of effective corrosion inhibitors for industrial scale applications.