Oxalic acid, also known as oxalic acid and a dicarboxylic acid, is a naturally occurring compound in many vegetables and plants. It is odorless and colorless in solid state, and is white crystal after purification.
Oxalic acid is also produced in the human body through the metabolism of ascorbic acid or glyoxylic acid. It is excreted from the body through urine. However, this acid is used industrially as a general reducing agent. It is more corrosive in nature and has a higher level of toxicity than other substances. It is very important to properly handle the chemical after use.
List of uses of oxalic acid
Referring to some uses of oxalic acid, this chemical is basically an essential household product, mainly used as a detergent for various articles. However, we will look at some applications of this acid below.
Cleaning agent
Industrial use
medical
Other uses
1. cleaning agent
The oxalic acid mentioned above is mainly used for the most demanding cleaning tasks. This acid has bleach like properties and can be used to remove rust and stains on objects and metals. This acid is found in a variety of cleaning products, detergents and bleaches. Oxalic acid is also ideal for polishing almost any stone and treating old wood.
2. industrial use
In industry, this chemical is mainly used in mineral processing machinery. In addition, oxalic acid can be used for equipment disinfection. People in the textile field use it to bleach clothes.
3. medicinal use of oxalic acid
In the medical field, the company uses acid to further purify or dilute certain chemicals. However, there are very few data on the health benefits of this acid. Oxalic acid in organic and original forms is non lethal. But sometimes it can have harmful effects on the body.
4. other uses
Therefore, in addition to bleaching, derusting and dyeing, oxalic acid is mainly used as a reducing element in developing photographic films. It is also used in wastewater treatment. This acid can effectively remove calcium deposits in water.
Some common questions
Is oxalic acid good for skin?
Oxalic acid can cause extreme skin inflammation. Crystals / solutions are toxic if ingested by skin. Rare chemical burns caused by oxalic acid may occur and may cause hypocalcemia. Gangrene already exists in the hands of people who work in oxalic acid solution without rubber gloves.
Does vinegar have oxalic acid?
Of course, oxalic acid is a chemical element. In essence, oxalic acid is a strong acid: it is about 3000 times stronger than acetic acid. Acetic acid is a chemical term for acid in common vinegar (usually sold in about 5% acetic acid solution).
Why is oxalic acid the main standard?
The main criterion is any material that can be accurately weighed in pure form, such as oxalic acid, so that the number of moles present can be reliably estimated from the measured weight and known molar mass. The main standard is not necessarily the standard solution used in acid-base titration.
What can I use instead of oxalic acid?
Hydrochloric acid acts like sulfuric acid and can replace oxalic acid. Hydrochloric acid removes rust and iron oxide from the metal (also known as pickling) before further processing of steel or other metals into more economically usable forms.
How do you neutralize oxalic acid?
To neutralize the symptoms of oxalic acid (and hydrochloric acid), after soaking, scrub with running water for one minute or more; Immerse in aqueous solution and baking soda before drying. This may take 24 hours or more to succeed.