The influence of the microstructure on the corrosion behaviour of a shape memory Cu-11.40Al-0.55Be (wt.%) polycrystalline alloy in 3.5% NaCl has been studied by microscopical examinations, spectroscopical and X-ray diffraction measurements, and electrochemical tests. Chloride environment can produce a dealuminization attack, and the corrosion behaviour is affected by the alloy microstructural conditions. After long times of immersion, the single beta phase microstructure suffers localized corrosion in some regions but dealuminization is generalized on the whole surface. However, in the (beta + gamma(2)) microstructure, preferential dissolution of gamma(2) dendritic precipitates occurs, which seems to protect beta matrix from dealloying. (C) 2010 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.