Oxalic acid

Oxalic acid is an organic dicarboxylic acid with the chemical formula (COOH)₂. It occurs naturally in many plants, including spinach, rhubarb, and certain other plants. However, it can also be chemically synthesized.

Here are some important things to know about oxalic acid:

Common uses :

• Chemical industry: Used as a chemical reagent in certain organic reactions.
• Paint Remover: Sometimes used as a paint and varnish remover, due to its ability to dissolve certain pigments.
• Textile industry: Used in the treatment of cotton and textile fibers.
• Metal Cleaning: Used to clean and polish certain metals.
• Stain Removal: Used to remove stains from certain types of wood.

Properties :

• Solubility: Oxalic acid is soluble in water.
• Toxicity: It is toxic when ingested in high concentrations. It is important to handle oxalic acid with care.
• Salt formation: It may form oxalate salts when reacting with bases.

Precautions for use :

• Handling: Must be handled with care, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and goggles.
• Toxicity: If swallowed, it may be toxic, and immediate medical treatment may be required.
• Storage: It should be stored under suitable conditions, away from other incompatible chemicals.

Oxalic acid can be found in crystal or powder form. Its use must comply with local regulations, and it is essential to follow the safety instructions provided by the manufacturer. As with any chemical product, it is advisable to consult the product-specific Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for detailed information on its use and properties.