| Properties |
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Molecular formula |
H2C2O4 (anhydrous)
C2H2O4·2H2O (dihydrate) |
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Molar mass |
90.03 g/mol (anhydrous)
126.07 g/mol (dihydrate) |
| Appearance |
white crystals |
|
Density |
1.90 g/cm³ (anhydrous)
1.653 g/cm³ (dihydrate) |
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Melting point |
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| Structure |
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Molecular shape |
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|
Dipole moment |
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| Hazards |
| Main
hazards |
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NFPA 704 |
 |
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Risks |
Harmful in contact with skin, Harmful if swallowed |
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Safety |
Keep out of the reach of children, Avoid contact with skin and eyes |
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Flash point |
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Autoignition
temperature |
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| Related compounds |
| Other
anions |
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| Other
cautions |
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| Related |
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| Related compounds |
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Description |
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Oxalic acid is the chemical compound with the formula H2C2O4. It is a relatively strong organic acid, being about 10,000 times stronger than acetic acid. The di-anion, known as oxalate, is also a reducing agent as well as a ligand in coordination chemistry. Many metal ions form insoluble precipitates with oxalate, a prominent example being calcium oxalate, which is the primary constituent of the most common kind of kidney stone.
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Uses |
- In household chemical products such as Bar Keeper's Friend, some bleaches, and rustproofing treatments.
- In wood restorers where the acid dissolves away a layer of dry surface wood to expose fresh material underneath.
- As an additive to automotive wheel cleaners.
- As a mordant in dyeing processes.
- Used in the early photographic Platinum/Palladium printing process.
- Vaporized oxalic acid, or a 6% solution of oxalic acid in sugar syrup, is used by some beekeepers as an insecticide against the parasitic Varroa mite.
- As a rust remover in such applications as automotive shops and for the restoration of antiques.
- As a recommended surface pretreatment for stainless steels (surface etch) before application of solid metal or polymer self-lubricating coatings.
- For polishing stones and marble.
- Used in the acid treatment for destroying warts.
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SAFETY |
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Keep out of the reach of children, Avoid contact with skin and eyes |
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International Chemical Safety Card
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