Five derivatives of phenylthiourea namely: 1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-phenylthiourea (1), 1-(4-methylphenyl)-3- phenylthiourea (2), 1-(4-bromophenyl)-3-phenylthiourea (3), 1-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-phenylthiourea (4) and 1-phenylthiourea (5) have been evaluated as new inhibitors for the corrosion of carbon steel in 2 M HCl solution using potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques. Potentiodynamic polarization measurements showed that these derivatives are mixed-type inhibitors. The inhibition efficiency was found to increase with inhibitor concentration and decreases with rise in temperature. The thermodynamic parameters of adsorption and activation were determined and discussed. Nyquist plots showed depressed semicircles with their centre below real axis. The adsorption process of studied derivatives on carbon steel surface obeys Temkin adsorption isotherm. The synergistic effect of these derivatives and some anions is discussed from the viewpoint of adsorption models. The electrochemical results are in good agreement with the calculated quantum chemical HOMO and LUMO energies of the tested molecules.