Uses of Oxalic Acid

Oxalic acid is a type of organic acid found in many plants, particularly in vegetables like spinach and rhubarb. It’s also used in some household cleaning products. While it’s naturally occurring, it can be harmful if ingested in large amounts because it can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb certain nutrients like calcium. So, it’s important to handle it with care and use it safely.

This article provides detailed information about oxalic acid, covering its nature, properties, applications in various industries, chemical formula, precautions for safe handling, and frequently asked questions regarding its use, presence in fruits, and industrial synthesis.

What are Uses of Oxalic Acid in Real Life

Oxalic acid (C₂H₂O₄) is a naturally occurring organic compound found in many plants. It is a colorless, crystalline solid with a sour taste. In its pure form, it’s highly toxic, but in small amounts, it’s relatively harmless. It’s commonly used for various industrial and household purposes due to its acidic properties. The detailed uses of oxalic acid is discussed in the article below:

Removing Marks, Stains, and Rust

• Oxalic acid is widely employed for its efficacy in removing marks, stains, and rust from various surfaces.
• Its acidic properties make it effective in dissolving and loosening deposits, making it valuable in household cleaning products and restoration processes for items like metal tools or wood furniture.
• Oxalic acid is used to bleach and clean wood surfaces, particularly for removing stains caused by water, ink, or iron.

Industrial Use of Oxalic Acid

In industries, oxalic acid finds utility in multiple applications.

• It is used as a bleaching agent in textile and pulp industries, for cleaning operations in metal processing, and as a catalyst in various chemical reactions due to its ability to chelate metal ions.
• Oxalic acid is widely used for cleaning and surface treatment of metals, particularly in industries such as metalworking, manufacturing, and electronics.
• Oxalic acid is used as a component in electroplating solutions for metal deposition processes.
• Oxalic acid is used in certain photographic processes, particularly in the development and fixing of photographic films and prints.

Medical Use of Oxalic Acid

• While limited due to its toxicity, oxalic acid finds some medical applications.
• It has been used in certain treatments for removing calcium from the bloodstream and in some pharmaceutical formulations.
• Oxalic acid and its derivatives can act as chelating agents, meaning they can bind to metal ions and form stable complexes. In medicine, chelating agents are sometimes used to treat heavy metal poisoning.

Reducing and Treating Element

• Oxalic acid serves as a reducing agent in chemical reactions, particularly in processes requiring the reduction of metal ions.
• Additionally, it is used in the treatment of wastewater to remove heavy metals through precipitation reactions, contributing to environmental remediation efforts.

What Acid is Used to Remove Rust?

• Oxalic acid is commonly used to remove rust from various surfaces.
• It’s a powerful agent that breaks down iron oxide, the main component of rust, through a process called chelation.
• Oxalic acid effectively dissolves rust without causing significant damage to the underlying metal.

Oxalic Acid Summary

• Oxalic acid appears as a colorless solid.
• It has no odor.
• The acid is highly soluble in water.
• Forms crystalline structures when solidified.
• Exhibits high acidity.
• Can cause irritation upon direct contact with skin and eyes.
• Melting point is around 101-102°C (214-216°F).
• Boiling point is approximately 365°C (689°F).
• Molecular weight is about 90.03 g/mol.
• It’s a dicarboxylic acid with the chemical formula (COOH)₂.

Precautions to be Taken

Following precautions to be taken while using oxalic acid:

• Wear protective gloves and goggles when handling oxalic acid to prevent skin and eye irritation.
• Work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes.
• Avoid direct contact with skin, eyes, and clothing.
• Do not ingest oxalic acid; it can be harmful if swallowed.
• Keep oxalic acid containers tightly sealed when not in use to prevent spills and accidental exposure.
• Store oxalic acid away from incompatible materials, such as strong bases and oxidizing agents.
• Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling oxalic acid, including aprons and respiratory protection if necessary.
• Wash hands thoroughly after handling oxalic acid or any equipment contaminated with it.
• Dispose of oxalic acid waste according to local regulations and guidelines.
• In case of accidental exposure or ingestion, seek medical attention immediately and provide the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for oxalic acid to healthcare professionals.

Frequently Asked Questions on Uses of Oxalic Acid

What is Oxalic Acid Used In?

Oxalic acid finds wide applications in various industries and household tasks. It is used for rust removal from metal surfaces, wood bleaching, textile industry as a bleach, stone cleaning, dyeing processes, photography, electroplating, rust converter formulations, laboratory reagents, and household cleaning agents.

What are the sources of oxalic acid?

Oxalic acid is naturally present in many fruits and vegetables. It’s notably found in high concentrations in foods like spinach, rhubarb, parsley, and beet greens. In fruits, oxalic acid contributes to their tart taste and can sometimes cause a sensation of mouth puckering.

Is Oxalic Acid a Strong Acid?

Oxalic acid is considered a relatively strong organic acid. It’s a dicarboxylic acid with two acidic hydrogen atoms per molecule. In solution, oxalic acid readily donates protons, making it acidic, but it’s not as strong as some mineral acids like hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid.

How is Oxalic Acid Made?

Oxalic acid can be synthesized through various methods. One common industrial method involves the oxidation of carbohydrates using nitric acid or oxygen in the presence of catalysts such as vanadium pentoxide or nitric acid. Another method involves the oxidation of sugar by nitric acid. Oxalic acid can also be obtained through the oxidation of ethylene glycol.

Which Acid is Present in Tomato?

Tomatoes contain citric acid as the primary acid responsible for their tart flavor. Citric acid is a weak organic acid found in many fruits and vegetables, contributing to their sour taste.

What Acid is present in Curd?

Curd, or yogurt, contains lactic acid. Lactic acid is a weak organic acid produced by the fermentation of lactose by certain bacteria, primarily Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus. It contributes to the tangy taste and creamy texture of yogurt.