The different initial interactions of benzotriazole (BTAH) with iron in both 0.5 M H2SO4 and simulated saline water (3.4% NaCl) have been investigated systematically by using a confocal microprobe Raman system, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), and electrochemical potentiodynamic polarization curves. The SERS spectra of BTAH at the bare iron electrodes in both 0.5 M H2SO4 and simulated saline water have been obtained successfully for the first time. Electrochemical measurements show that the inhibition efficiency of BTAH is higher in saline water than that in acid solution, which is in accordance with the identification of the surface interaction on the basis of the SERS data. BTAH may be physisorbed onto the iron surface through its neutral molecule form or protonated BTAH(2)(+) ions. While in saline water, the formation of the surface coordination compound characterized as Fe(II)-BTA may contribute to the outstanding spectral features. A cleavage of the NH bond is believed to occur while adsorption of BTAH onto iron proceeds. This more compact surface film results in a higher inhibition efficiency in comparison with that in an acid solution.