Overview
Oxalic acid is a dicarboxylic acid with the formula C2H2O4. It occurs naturally in many plants and vegetables, notably in rhubarb leaves and spinach. Industrially, it's produced by oxidizing carbohydrates with nitric acid or by heating sodium formate. The compound has been known since the 18th century when it was first isolated from wood sorrel. Today, it serves numerous industrial functions due to its strong chelating and reducing properties. While useful in controlled applications, oxalic acid must be handled with care due to its toxicity.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Oxalic acid typically appears as colorless, odorless crystals that dissolve readily in water. It's one of the strongest organic acids, with a pKa of 1.25. The dihydrate form (C2H2O4·2H2O) is most common commercially, losing water at about 100°C to form the anhydrous version. Chemically, oxalic acid is notable for forming stable coordination complexes with metal ions (oxalates), which accounts for many of its industrial uses. When heated to decomposition, it releases carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. These properties make it valuable for metal cleaning and polishing applications.
Main Applications
In industrial settings, oxalic acid serves as a chelating agent for metal cleaning and polishing, particularly for iron and stainless steel. The textile industry uses it as a mordant in dyeing processes and for bleaching straw hats. Other significant uses include wood pulp bleaching, photographic developer solutions, and as a reagent in analytical chemistry. In household products, diluted solutions appear in rust removers and cleaning agents. The pharmaceutical industry employs it in certain medications and as a purification agent.
Safety and Storage
Oxalic acid requires careful handling due to its corrosive nature and toxicity. Personal protective equipment including gloves, goggles and respiratory protection should be used when handling the powder or concentrated solutions. Storage should be in tightly sealed containers made of polyethylene or glass, kept in cool, dry areas separate from bases and oxidizers. Spills should be neutralized with alkaline materials like sodium bicarbonate. First aid measures include immediate flushing with water for skin/eye contact and seeking medical attention if ingested.
B2B Procurement Guide
When procuring oxalic acid commercially, buyers should specify whether they require the dihydrate or anhydrous form, with purity levels typically ranging from 99% to 99.6%. Packaging options include 25kg bags, drums, or bulk containers. Quality verification should include checking for proper labeling, CAS number verification, and certificate of analysis. For international shipments, ensure compliance with local regulations as some countries restrict oxalic acid concentrations in consumer products. Consider supplier certifications and their ability to provide safety data sheets in required languages.
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