Overview
Oxalic acid is an organic compound belonging to the dicarboxylic acid family, naturally occurring in many plants and vegetables. Industrially, it is produced through the oxidation of carbohydrates or ethylene glycol. The compound exists in two forms: anhydrous and dihydrate (containing two water molecules). As one of the strongest organic acids, oxalic acid plays significant roles across multiple industries. Its ability to chelate metal ions makes it particularly valuable in metal treatment applications. The global market for oxalic acid is steadily growing, driven by demand from the pharmaceutical, textile, and metallurgical sectors.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Oxalic acid appears as odorless white crystals with a sour taste. The dihydrate form loses water at about 100°C, converting to the anhydrous form. At higher temperatures (189-191°C), it decomposes rather than boiling, producing carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and formic acid. Chemically, oxalic acid is notable for its strong reducing properties and ability to form stable complexes (chelates) with metal cations. This characteristic underlies many of its industrial applications. The acid is diprotic, with pKa values of 1.25 and 4.14, making it significantly stronger than acetic acid.
Main Applications
In metal treatment, oxalic acid serves as a cleaning agent for rust removal and surface treatment of aluminum and stainless steel. The textile industry utilizes it as a bleaching agent for cotton and leather, while wood pulp manufacturers employ it in bleaching processes. The rare earth industry relies on oxalic acid for precipitation of rare earth elements from solutions. Other applications include its use as a reducing agent in photography, a pH regulator in textile dyeing, and as an ingredient in some household cleaning products. In niche applications, it finds use as a reagent in analytical chemistry and as a mordant in dyeing processes.
Safety and Storage
Oxalic acid requires careful handling due to its corrosive nature and toxicity. Exposure can cause severe skin burns, eye damage, and if ingested, kidney damage due to calcium oxalate formation. Proper PPE including gloves, goggles, and protective clothing should always be used. Storage should be in tightly sealed containers made of polyethylene or other resistant materials, kept in cool, dry areas separate from bases, oxidizers, and food products. Spills should be neutralized with sodium bicarbonate or other mild bases, then cleaned with ample water. Facilities handling oxalic acid should maintain appropriate first aid measures including eye wash stations.
B2B Procurement Guide
When sourcing oxalic acid, buyers should first determine whether the dihydrate or anhydrous form better suits their application, as this affects both pricing and handling requirements. Technical specifications should include purity level (typically 99.5% for industrial grade), crystal size, and heavy metal content limits. Packaging options range from 25kg bags to bulk containers. Buyers should verify supplier certifications (ISO, REACH compliance) and request SDS documentation. Price negotiations should consider volume discounts, with larger orders (container-load quantities) typically offering 10-20% cost advantages over smaller purchases. Lead times vary seasonally, with potential supply chain considerations during Chinese New Year affecting Asian suppliers.
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