Novel 1,3-diamino-propylene derivatives as potential corrosion inhibitors for copper nanoparticles has been studied by density functional theory (DFT) calculations, Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR), thermogravimetric and Zeta potential analysis. 1,3-Dimorpholin-propylene was considered to be the most promising inhibitor for copper nanoparticles. Thermogravimetric results indicated the oxidation temperature of copper nanoparticles decreased from 286.50 ℃ (blank) to 270.1 ℃ (inhibitor). FTIR spectra indicated the addition of inhibitor could optimize the adsorption behavior of surfactant molecules on the surface of copper nanoparticles. Zeta potential results showed 1,3-dimorpholin-propylene could improve the stability of copper nanoparticles (~0 mV for blank, and -2.5 mV for inhibitor).