The inhibition effect of imidazoline-based dissymmetric bis-quaternary ammonium salt (DBA) and Thiourea (TU) on Q235 steel in CO 2 -saturated simulated oilfield-produced water was studied by means of the weight-loss method, polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The polarization measurements reveal that the compound inhibitors are anodic-type inhibitors that mainly inhibit the anodic process. EIS results show that the changes in the impedance parameters are due to the formation of a protective layer on the Q235 steel surface by the adsorption of inhibitor molecules. The results of energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy confirm the existence of the protective layer. The results also show that adsorption model obeys to the FloryHuggins adsorption isotherm. The synergism parameter suggests that the synergistic effect is obvious at concentrations of 100 and 200 mg L -1 , and there is a cooperative mechanism between the DBA and TU.