Oxalic acid

- Introduction

Oxalic acid is a colorless crystalline solid. It is a strong acidic substance that can dissolve in water. Oxalic acid is a binary organic acid, composed of two carboxyl groups. It occurs naturally in some plants, such as wood sorrel (Oxalis acetosella) and broad-leaved dock (Rumex obtusifolius).

Oxalic acid is a toxic substance that can cause irritation to the skin and eyes. In the laboratory, oxalic acid is commonly used for cleaning glassware and removing rust from metal surfaces. It can also be used as a chemical analysis reagent, passivating agent, and in the preparation of certain pigments.

Oxalic acid has various applications, including the production of certain oxalates (such as ammonium oxalate and sodium oxalate) for the textile and leather industries, as well as the preparation of some organic synthesis intermediates. Oxalic acid is also used as a catalyst and deoxidizing agent, widely applied in the chemical industry and laboratory research.

- Specific Uses

Oxalic acid is a colorless crystalline solid with acidic properties. It has a variety of uses, and the following are some common application areas:
1. Cleaning agent: Oxalic acid can be used as a cleaning agent to effectively remove oxidation layers, stains, and calcium scale from metal surfaces. Common applications include cleaning stainless steel utensils, toilets, and bathtubs.
2. Metal treatment: Oxalic acid can be used to remove oxidation layers, rust, or scale from metal surfaces. For example, in the electroplating industry, oxalic acid is used to remove oxides from metal surfaces to facilitate the electroplating process.
3. Dye and pigment industry: Oxalic acid can be used as a chemical reagent in the dye and pigment industry for the synthesis and treatment of dyes and pigments.
4. Batteries: Oxalic acid can be used in the manufacturing of iron-aluminum batteries and some other rare electrode batteries.