Oxalic acid

What is Oxalic Acid?

Oxalic acid is an organic compound that is named after the Oxalis plants from which it was originally extracted. In chemistry, this substance, also known as ethanedioic acid or oxalic acid, is classified as the simplest dicarboxylic acid. Oxalic acid is naturally found in a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, cocoa, nuts, and seeds. Despite its natural origin, this acid has a high level of acidity and can be toxic and harmful if consumed excessively or if it comes into direct contact with the skin.

Physical and Chemical Properties of Oxalic Acid

Oxalic acid, with the chemical formula C₂H₂O₄ and the official name ethanedioic acid, is the simplest member of the dicarboxylic acid family. It appears as solid, colorless crystals with no odor. Its molecular weight is 90.034 g/mol, and its density is approximately 1.90 g/L. Its high melting point of 191ºC indicates its relatively high thermal stability. Chemically, oxalic acid is considered a strong organic acid, with a solution pH around 3, reflecting its high proton dissociation ability in water. This strong acidity is the main reason for its corrosive nature and the need for safety precautions when handling it in its pure form.

Manufacturing of Oxalic Acid

Oxalic acid, as an important industrial chemical, is primarily produced through the oxidation of carbohydrates or glucose. This industrial process is typically carried out using nitric acid or air as oxidizing agents. Since the reaction naturally occurs at a very slow rate, vanadium oxide is often used as a catalyst to accelerate the process. Another industrial method involves reactions such as 4 ROH + 4 CO + O₂ → 2 (CO₂R)₂ + 2 H₂O. In addition to industrial methods, a common laboratory method for preparing this compound is the oxidation of sucrose (sugar) with concentrated nitric acid, which also requires a catalyst for the reaction to complete.

Dietary Sources and Metabolism of Oxalic Acid in the Body

Oxalic acid is naturally found in a wide range of foods, including leafy vegetables (such as spinach), turnips, rhubarb, fruits, cocoa, potatoes, nuts, and various seeds. It is important to note that the cooking process can reduce the amount of oxalic acid in vegetables by 30 to 90 percent. Besides receiving oxalic acid from dietary sources, the human body can also produce it independently, and even vitamin C can be metabolized into oxalate. After consumption, oxalate has the ability to bind with minerals like calcium and iron, forming compounds such as calcium oxalate and iron oxalate. This process primarily occurs in the large intestine but can also happen in the kidneys and urinary system. In most individuals, these compounds are harmless and are excreted through stool or urine, but in susceptible individuals, consuming diets rich in oxalates can increase the risk of kidney stones and other health issues.

Various Applications of Oxalic Acid in Industries

Due to its unique chemical properties, oxalic acid is highly important in a range of industrial and commercial processes. This compound is especially effective in cleaning and rust removal because of its ability to dissolve mineral deposits, remove stains and grease, and react with metal ions. In addition to these uses, oxalic acid plays a vital role in other fields, including pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and the production of other chemicals. These versatile properties have made oxalic acid an essential component across a wide range of industries.

Application of Oxalic Acid in Beekeeping and Mite Control

Oxalic acid is an effective tool for beekeepers to control and eliminate the parasitic varroa mite. By penetrating the mite's body, it effectively kills the mites while typically not harming the honeybees. However, to prevent potential contamination of honey with this acid, the treatment should only be carried out when the hive is devoid of an active colony. For example, the best time for its application is during the fall or when new bee colonies are established, as bee breeding and honey production are suspended during these times. It is worth noting that other organic acids, such as formic acid and citric acid, can also be used for the same purpose in varroa mite control.

Application of Oxalic Acid in Cleaners and Rust Removal

Oxalic acid, due to its strong acidic nature, is a highly valuable substance in the cleaning industry, particularly in the production of bleach. It is especially effective in removing rust and is widely used for rust removal (iron oxide removal) and stain removal from various surfaces, including metals, stones, and old wood. Its ability to react with metal ions makes it a powerful tool for restoring surfaces.

Application of Oxalic Acid in Textiles

In the textile industry, oxalic acid plays an important role in the production of garments. It is used for bleaching fabrics and also for removing ink stains from them. Additionally, antimony salts derived from oxalic acid are used in dyeing and printing processes in textile production.

Role of Oxalic Acid in Pharmaceuticals

In the pharmaceutical industry, oxalic acid is used for purposes such as purifying and diluting chemicals. Although there is limited scientific information on the direct health benefits of this acid itself, its raw and organic form is not inherently lethal, although it may have harmful effects on the human body in certain cases, which must be considered.

Importance of Oxalic Acid in Agriculture

Oxalic acid holds special significance in agriculture, particularly in the process of extracting and releasing potassium (K) from soil. Studies have shown that oxalic acid solutions with low pH can release more potassium from the minerals present in alkaline soils. This acid also reduces potassium absorption by the soil and increases its excretion, with these effects reaching their maximum in environments with low soil pH.

Advantages of Oxalic Acid

As a strong chemical compound, oxalic acid is well-known for its two key advantages in cleaning processes. First, it has remarkable ability to remove even the toughest stains, especially those of mineral origin (such as iron rust). Second, it has effective bleaching properties, making it an ideal component in cleaning agents and bleach formulations, especially for restoring the color of old wood or stained fabrics. These two chemical characteristics have made oxalic acid a powerful tool in cleaning and maintenance industries.

Disadvantages of Oxalic Acid

Oxalic acid is a chemical substance that, if used improperly, can pose serious health risks. Direct contact with the pure form of this substance, particularly in concentrated form, can cause severe skin and eye irritation and burns. Inhalation of its fumes or dust can lead to respiratory problems, such as shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing. In cases of internal poisoning, more severe symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, seizures, and, in extreme cases, coma and even death can occur. These risks highlight the need for strict safety measures when handling oxalic acid.

Purchasing Oxalic Acid

The Parsia Kamandar Paitakht Trading Company, as a reliable source for supplying chemical and industrial raw materials, is proud to meet the needs of various industries for oxalic acid. This company focuses on product quality and providing reliable trading services, offering oxalic acid with high purity for industrial applications such as rust removal, detergent production, and agricultural uses. For purchasing oxalic acid with the required standards and ensuring the receipt of high-quality products in the necessary quantities, you can contact the sales experts of this company.