Oxalic acid
| Formula | C2H2O4*2 H2O |
| Chemical formula | ( COOH ) 2*2 H2O |
| Density | 1.65 g/cm3 (20°C) |
| Molar mass | 126.07 g/mol |
| EC index number | 607-006-00-8 |
| CAS number | 6153-56-6 |
| HS Code | 29171100 |
| EC number | 205-634-3 |
| Storage | Without limitation |
| SDS | available |
| R phrase | R 21/22 |
| S phrase | S 24/25 |
| Odour | odourless |
| Form | solid |
| Color | white |
| p H | ~ 1(10g/l 20 °C ) |
| Solubility in water | 102 g/l (20 °C ) |
| Solubility in ethanol | (20°c)soluble |
| Vapour pressure | ~ 25 hpa (20 °C) |
| Flash point | 157 °C |
| Boiling point | 149 – 160 °C |
| Melting point | 101 °C |
| Thermal decomposition | >157 °C |
| Assay | ≥ | 99 | % |
| Description | Conforms | ||
| Identification | Conforms | ||
| Solubility | Conforms | ||
| Heavy metals | ≤ | 0.002 | % |
| Iron | ≤ | 0.001 | % |
| Chloride | ≤ | 0.002 | % |
| Sulphate | ≤ | 0.02 | % |
| Total nitrogen | ≤ | 0.005 | % |
| Residu on ignation | ≤ | 0.3 | % |
Oxalic acid is a colorless crystalline organic compound with strong acidic properties, commonly used as a cleaning agent, bleaching agent, and in chemical synthesis.
🏭⚗️ Production
It is industrially produced by oxidation of carbohydrates such as glucose or cellulose using nitric acid in the presence of a catalyst, or by the reaction of sodium formate with sodium hydroxide followed by acidification.
🔬 Properties
The chemical formula is C₂H₂O₄·2H₂O (in its dihydrate form) with a molar mass of approximately 126.07 g/mol. It appears as colorless crystals, is soluble in water and alcohol, and forms a strongly acidic solution. It decomposes upon heating and acts as a reducing agent under certain conditions.
🧪 Applications
Oxalic acid is widely used as a cleaning agent for removing rust and mineral stains, in textile and leather processing, in wood bleaching, and as a mordant in dyeing. It is also used in analytical chemistry for calcium and rare earth metal precipitation.
⚠️ Safety
Toxic if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin; it may cause kidney damage, irritation, or corrosive injury. Protective gloves, goggles, and proper ventilation are recommended during use. Store in a cool, dry place away from oxidizing agents and food items.
