Oxalic Acid, an organic compound which is also known as ethanedioic acid, is an industrial chemical with multiple industrial uses. It is the simplest dicarboxylic acid and has an appearance of a white crystalline solid that forms a colorless solution in water. It is an odorless chemical compound. One of the common uses of this chemical is in dyeing processes where it is used as a mordant.

Oxalic acid is also used in other areas such as:

• The removal of dirt, rust, and other difficult cleaning purposes.

• In the pharmaceutical industry

• In dyeing and printing industry

• In organic synthesis

• In the electron industry

• It is also an important ingredient of some teeth whitening products

• Finally, it is also very widely used in extractive metallurgy.

What Is Oxalic Acid?

Oxalic Acid, also known as oxalate or ethanedioic acid, is an organic compound used as a laundry acid rinse due to its ability to convert most insoluble iron compounds into a soluble complex ion. Cleaning is one of the most common uses for oxalic acid. Bleaches, baking powder, and dying processes all use this compound. The blog would offer you a synthesis of Oxalic Acid and its common production process. Scroll down to expand your knowledge.

What is Oxalic Acid

Common Properties of Oxalic Acid

Chemical Name

Oxalic Acid

Synonymes

Ethanedioic acid,

Crab Acid

Oxalate,

Wood Bleach,

Peroxide

Molecular Formula

C2H2O4 or (COOH)2 or HOOCCOOH

Molar Mass/Molecular Weight

90.03 g/mol

Chemical Density

1.90 g cm^-3

Acidity

1.25 (under normal environmental conditions)

Appearance

White Crystals

Odor

Odorless

Melting Point

189-191 °C; 372 to 376 °F; 462 to 464 K

Heat Capacity

91.0 J·mol−1·K−1

Solubility

 In Ethanol: 237 g/L (15 °C)

 In Diethyl Ether: 14 g/L (15 °C)

Chemical Structure

 

 

When dissolved in water, oxalic acid transforms from a white crystalline solid with a two-polymorph structure into a colorless solution. With oxalate as its conjugate base, it functions as a reducing agent and chelating agent.

Oxalic Acid Uses

There are various forms of oxalic acid, and the usage of the chemical depends on its form. Manufacturers use oxalic acid worldwide:

Oxalic Acid for cleaning uses

The most common use for Oxalic Acid is for cleaning due to its bleaching properties. It can be applied to rust to help to remove the rusting, as a metal polish, stain remover and mordant.

Oxalic Acid for bleaching wood

Oxalic Acid can be used on any wooden surface, it is most effective on wood located outside and more so if it is not protected from rain and sunshine, it will fade and weather with time. It is applied in order to lighten the color and soften the tone of the wood, leaving a brighten surface behind.

Oxalic Acid for removing stains

Oxalic Acid can be used to remove stains, typically on sidewalks in bathrooms, and removes ink, food stains, and many other types of stains. It is a gentle stain remover that removes the stain but does not affect the base surfaces, such as wood and allows it to remain intact. You can use Oxalic Acid to remove most stains found on stone, brick, linoleum, wood, and vinyl surfaces.

Oxalic Acid for Rust Removal

Another great application of Oxalic Acid is in the removal of rust. It is one of the main ingredients of different rust removal products and can be used on tubs, sinks, and most rusted metals.

Oxalic Acid as Polisher

Oxalic Acid is often used in the polishing of different stone like marbles. As a polishing agent it can restore the original shine of marbles and stones.

See Oxalic Acid as one of the best chemicals for froth floatation

Oxalic Acid stored in bulk

Oxalic Acid vs Similar Chemicals

Oxalic Acid vs. Oxalate

The primary distinction between oxalate and oxalic acid is that oxalate is an anion whereas oxalic acid is an organic molecule. It is frequently connected to minerals in plants, creating oxalate. In nutrition research, the names "oxalic acid" and "oxalate" are used interchangeably. Oxalate is the oxalic acid conjugate base. However, the synthesis of oxalic acid is a step-by-step process that results in a mixture of a few molecules known as oxalic acid.

Oxalic Acid vs. Oxalic acid Dihydrate

A reducing agent is oxalic acid dihydrate. Oxalic acid is a diprotic acid, which means it may give away two protons (hydrogen ions) to a base. Oxalic acid dihydrate has been studied as a therapy for the reduction of naturally existing microorganism populations. In combination with acetonitrile and/or other solvents, it is used as a buffer in chromatographic separation, dechelation, and deproteinization.

Oxalic Acid vs. Acetic Acid

Both acetic acid and oxalic acid are organic chemicals made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms. While oxalic acid has two carbonyl carbon centers, acetic acid only has one.

While Oxalic Acid is often useful serving as a chemical in extractive metallurgy and used in cleaning and bleaching purpose. While Citric acid is treated as an acidifier(flavoring purpose), and chelating reagent.

Acetic Acid FAQs

Oxalic Acid vs. Citric Acid

Oxalic acid has two carboxylic functional groups and comparatively a low chemical reactivity, whereas citric acid has three carboxylic acid groups, hence high chemical reactivity. Oxalic acid is, of course, a chemical element. Oxalic acid is a powerful acid by nature: it is roughly 3,000 times stronger than acetic acid, which is the scientific word for the acid in vinegar (usually marketed as about 5 percent acetic acid solution).

Citric Acid Monohydrate

Citric Acid Anhydrous

Oxalic Acid vs. Hydrochloric Acid

As an alternative to oxalic acid, hydrochloric acid functions similarly to sulfuric acid. Hydrochloric acid removes rust and iron oxide from metals until the steel or other metal is further processed into more commercially viable forms.However, hydrochloric acid is a volatile acid that will easily fume, especially when heated. This works beautifully on everything metallic in the area.

Hydrochloric Acid

Is Oxalic Acid Safe?

  • Oxalic acid is a poisonous chemical. The substance is a caustic chemical. It is harmful if swallowed, when in contact with skin, and can cause serious eye damage. It is important to ensure that skin is washed thoroughly after handling and do not eat or drink when handling the product
  • According to oxalic acid MSDS it is considered to be unsafe to ingest in high concentrations.
  • Wearing protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection, and face protection is needed when handling the chemical. Proper storage and disposal of oxalic acid needs to be taken into consideration to avoid any unwanted effects. To read more on oxalic acid safety click on oxalic acid’s SDS.

What can Oxalic Acid Cause?

General Understanding

  • When you eat oxalate-containing meals, the molecule links to minerals to form other minerals. Iron oxalate and calcium oxalate are two examples. Most of the time, the procedure occurs in the colon, although it can also occur in the kidneys.
  • When oxalate levels are high, it is more likely to bind to calcium and produce kidney stones. Oxalates can impede your body from receiving important nutrients in your digestive tract because they bind to minerals like calcium.
  • Oxalates are normally excreted by the body, but excessive quantities can be harmful. However, because foods containing oxalates are often beneficial in other ways, you should not exclude them entirely from your diet. The average person consumes 200 to 300 mg of oxalates each day. If you're prone to kidney stones, experts recommend ingesting fewer than 100 milligrams each day.

Risk of Kidney Stones

  • kidney stones are typical for calcium and trace levels of oxalate to coexist in the urinary system. They produce no health risks if they stay in their separate forms. They can dissolve and combine to produce crystals. Some people may experience difficulties as a result of these stones.

Decrease the Absorption

  • Oxalates can impede your body from receiving important nutrients in your digestive tract because they bind to minerals like calcium. However, they do not entirely prevent absorption, and our systems only utilize a fraction of the nutrients we ingest.

Reduced Interactions

  • Some oxalates are broken down in your stomach, limiting the quantity that travels through your digestive and urinary systems. Antibiotics, on the other hand, diminish this impact. Antibiotics reduce the action of the beneficial bacteria in our stomach that absorb oxalates.

How to neutralize oxalic acid? 

  • Oxalates can be decreased by blanching, boiling, or steaming with the liquid being removed, because they are water-soluble.
  • Oxalates are reduced via fermentation. Oxalate exposure can also be reduced by cooking in milk or macerating in whey. Sprouting also has benefits.
  • Large quantities can exceed our body's ability to handle them. We recommend that you consume the following high oxalate foods in moderation. In the intestines, oxalates bind with calcium, negating their effect on our health. Combine oxalate-rich meals with calcium-rich foods. Stay hydrated before eating!
  • If you want to dispose of oxalic acid, fill a bigger container with ice water with the acid. Pouring acid into water reduces the risk of boiling and splashing that can occur when acid is poured into water. Pour the acid into water, never the other way around.

Oxalic Acid Safety Notes

Personal safety precautions

  • Protective gear, and emergency procedures
  • Wear safety equipment. Ascertain that the air-handling systems are working.
  • Maintain proper ventilation.

Precautions for the environment:

  • Keep from entering drains, sewers, or waterways.
  • Collect contaminated soil for characterization
  • Should not be allowed to enter the ecosystem.

Containment and cleanup methods and materials:

  • Keep inappropriate closed containers until disposal.
  • Wear safety glasses, gloves, and clothes. See Section 8 for further information. (Always follow local laws)
  • Dust deposits should not be permitted to develop on surfaces because they can combine to generate an explosive combination if discharged in sufficient concentrations into the environment.
  • Avoid dust distribution in the air
  • Personnel should be evacuated to safe regions.

Where is Oxalic Acid Found?

Oxalic Acid found in which food

Oxalic acid is a naturally occurring chemical molecule found in a wide variety of plants, including leafy greens, vegetables, fruits, chocolate, nuts, and seeds. Oxalates (oxalic acid)-rich foods include Spinach, Firm tofu, Soy milk, Potatoes, Beets, Raspberries, Navy beans, Almonds, Dates. In plants, it is frequently coupled with minerals, creating oxalate. In nutrition science, the names "oxalic acid" and "oxalate" are interchangeable.

Oxalic Acid found in human body

Our body can manufacture oxalate on its own or receive it from the diet. When vitamin C is digested, it can also be transformed into oxalate.

Oxalic Acid found in fungi

Oxalic acid is a substance secreted by a variety of soil fungus species that can cause calcium oxalate crystals to develop as well as boost metal cation solubility and soil nutrient availability. However, such procedures are not yet economically competitive with the production of oil and gas. Some fungi, such as Aspergillus niger, have been intensively explored for the commercial synthesis of oxalic acid.

How Is Oxalic Acid Made?

  • Oxalic acid is made by the oxidation of carbohydrates or glucose by using nitric acid or cellulose with Sodium Hydroxide.
  • You may be able to find Oxalic Acid in small quantities in your area. But if you want to buy large quantities of Oxalic Acid it is preferable to Oxalic Acid imported directly from the manufacturers. They can issue certifications and provide cost savings which is better than buying the chemical in small quantities locally or from a distributor.
  • If you require bulk quantities of this chemical, you can buy oxalic acid on our website.

Buy Oxalic Acid

Where To Buy Oxalic Acid

Where To Buy Oxalic Acid In Bulk?

  • You can find Oxalic Acid in small quantities in your area.
  • If you want to buy large quantities of Oxalic Acid it is preferable to import Oxalic Acid directly from the manufacturers. They can issue certifications and provide cost savings which are better than buying the chemical in small quantities locally or from a distributor.
  • If you require bulk quantities of this chemical, you can buy oxalic acid on our website.

Where can you buy oxalic acid

How is Oxalic Acid shipped?  

  • In 225kg woven bags
  • In 100kg woven jumbo bags

Which Countries Manufacture Oxalic Acid In Bulk?

  • The main producers of Oxalic Acid are China, Japan, USA, South Korea, India, and Germany. Consumption of oxalic acid has increased dramatically across the world, especially in developing countries. If you require bulk quantities of this chemical, you can buy oxalic acid here on our website.

We hope the post helps you better inform your knowledge of Oxalic Acid. Please visit our online shop to purchase citric acid from one of the most leading chemical suppliers.