Oxalic Acid CAS 144-62-7

Basic

Basic Properties: Oxalic acid is the simplest dicarboxylic acid. It appears as a colorless, crystalline organic compound that forms a colorless solution in water. It is a highly potent reducing agent and is significantly stronger than acetic acid.

Common Chemical Reactions:

• Chelation (Complexation): Reacts with metal ions (like iron) to form water-soluble complex salts.
• Oxidation: As a strong reducing agent, it is easily oxidized by strong oxidizing agents like potassium permanganate (KMnO_4), breaking down into carbon dioxide and water.
• Esterification: Reacts with alcohols in the presence of an acid catalyst to form dialkyl oxalates.

Specifications

Data Sheet Download

Applications

• Surface Cleaning & Rust Removal: Acts as a chelating agent. It binds with insoluble iron compounds (rust) and converts them into water-soluble iron oxalates, which can be easily washed away.
• Wood Bleaching: Acts as a reducing agent and chelator. It removes black water stains, iron stains, and weathering from wood surfaces, restoring the natural wood color without damaging the fiber.
• Metallurgy & Rare Earth Processing: Acts as a precipitating agent. Used to precipitate and separate rare earth metals from aqueous solutions during mineral processing.
• Textile & Leather Industry: Acts as a mordant and bleaching agent. Helps fix dyes to fabrics and removes metal impurities during leather tanning.
• Chemical Synthesis: Acts as a raw material/intermediate. Used in the synthesis of oxalates, plastics, dyes, and pharmaceutical ingredients.

Storage Environmental Requirements

• Environment: Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.
• Moisture Control: Keep containers tightly closed to protect from moisture, as the powder can cake when exposed to high humidity.
• Incompatibilities: Segregate from strong oxidizing agents, strong bases (alkalis), and silver compounds.
• Sunlight: Keep away from direct, prolonged exposure to sunlight and heat sources.

Handling and Usage Precautions

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and protective clothing. Use a NIOSH-approved dust mask or respirator if dust is generated.
• Ventilation: Use only in well-ventilated areas or under a chemical fume hood to avoid inhaling dust or vapors.
• Skin/Eye Contact: Corrosive. In case of contact, immediately flush eyes or skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention.
• Ingestion: Highly toxic if swallowed. Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling this product. Wash hands thoroughly after use.

Formulations

Packaging

• Standard Packaging: 25 kg woven plastic bags with a PE (polyethylene) inner liner to prevent moisture ingress.
• Bulk Packaging: 1000 kg Jumbo bags (FIBCs) with inner PE liners for large-scale industrial consumers.
• Custom Packaging: Available in custom drum or bucket sizes as required by the client.
• Palletizing: Shrink-wrapped on wooden or plastic pallets for safe transport.

Safety and Compliance