Oxalic acid
Description
Oxalic acid (CAS 144-62-7) is a dicarboxylic organic acid used across industrial processing as a reducing agent, chelating agent, and pH regulator. It removes metal ions and mineral deposits from surfaces and process streams.
This chemical is a go-to reagent in cleaning, bleaching, and metal finishing operations. In water treatment and industrial cleaning, it dissolves iron oxide and rust deposits from boilers, heat exchangers, and pipework.
The acid effectively cleans systems without damaging base metals. Textile and paper manufacturers use it as a bleaching and stripping agent to remove discoloration from natural fibers and pulp during production.
Mining and hydrometallurgical operations rely on it to precipitate rare earth elements and other metals from leach solutions. This process is essential for recovering valuable materials during ore processing.
In personal care formulations, it functions as a pH adjuster and chelating agent. It is commonly found in hair bleaching and skin-lightening products to ensure stability and efficacy in the final formula.
The product is supplied as a white crystalline powder or granules, with anhydrous and dihydrate forms available. Standard grades include technical, industrial, and pharmaceutical-grade material for various uses.
Purity levels typically range from 99% to 99.6% to meet strict industry requirements. Packaging options span from small bags to bulk quantities, supporting both laboratory-scale and large industrial supply.
Physical Properties
| Melting Point | 189.5 °C (decomp) |
| Boiling Point | 158 °C |
| Density | 1.9 g/cm³ |
| Flash Point | 101-157°C |
| Appearance | Oxalic acid is a colorless, odorless powder, or granular solid. The anhydrous form (COOH)2 is an odorless, white solid; the solution is a colorless liquid. |
| Color | White |
| Odor | odorless |
| Form | Liquid |
| Water Solubility | 90 g/L (20 ºC) |
| Vapor Pressure | <0.01 mm Hg ( 20 °C) |
| Refractive Index | 1.4261 (estimate) |
| pH | 1 (100g/l, H2O, 20℃) |
| Log P | -1.7 at 23℃ |
Safety & Handling (Learn More)
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 29171110 |
| UN Number | 3261 |
| ADR Class | 8 |
| Packing Group | III |
| WGK (Germany) | 1 |
Documentation
Other Names
oxalic acid anhydrous|HOOCCOOH|H2ox|ethanedionic acid|ethanedioic acid|ethane-1,2-dioic acid|(COOH)2|hydrogen oxalate
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