Oxalic Acid

Oxalic acid (C₂H₂O₄) is a white, crystalline dicarboxylic acid that serves as an essential chemical intermediate in numerous industrial and commercial applications. As the simplest dicarboxylic acid, oxalic acid is highly soluble in water and exhibits strong reducing properties, making it invaluable for cleaning, metal treatment, and analytical procedures. With a molecular weight of 90.03 g/mol and CAS number 144-62-7, this versatile compound decomposes at temperatures between 149-160°C rather than boiling, releasing carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.

Key Applications

Oxalic acid's primary industrial uses leverage its exceptional chelating and reducing capabilities. As a cleaning agent and rust remover, it effectively dissolves iron oxide and other metal oxides, making it indispensable for restoration projects and industrial maintenance. In the textile industry, oxalic acid functions as both a bleaching agent for removing stains and discoloration, and as a mordant in dyeing processes to enhance color fastness and vibrancy. The chemical also serves as a critical analytical reagent in laboratory settings, particularly for standardizing permanganate solutions and conducting quantitative analysis. Additionally, its metal treatment applications include surface preparation and cleaning of various alloys and metals in manufacturing processes.

Safety & Handling

Oxalic acid requires careful handling due to its corrosive nature and potential health hazards. While it has no defined flash point and is not flammable under normal conditions, the compound can cause severe skin and eye irritation upon contact. Personnel should wear appropriate personal protective equipment including chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and protective clothing when handling this material. Adequate ventilation is essential to prevent inhalation of dust particles, and emergency eyewash stations should be readily accessible in work areas. The highly acidic nature (pH 1.3 in 0.1 M solution) necessitates immediate flushing with water if skin or eye contact occurs.

Storage & Shelf Life

Proper storage of oxalic acid involves keeping the material in tightly sealed containers away from moisture, heat, and incompatible substances. Store in a cool, dry location at room temperature, as the compound has a melting point of 189.5°C and density of 1.90 g/cm³. Oxalic acid is incompatible with strong bases, oxidizing agents, and silver compounds, which can cause dangerous reactions. When stored correctly in original containers, the product maintains its quality and potency for extended periods. Always segregate from alkaline materials and ensure containers are properly labeled with hazard information.

Why Alliance Chemical

Alliance Chemical provides reliable access to high-quality Oxalic Acid with same-day shipping capabilities from our Taylor, Texas facility. Our comprehensive logistics network utilizing UPS, LTL, and FTL carriers ensures prompt delivery across the region, while our technical support team assists with product selection and application guidance. Every shipment includes detailed Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and Certificates of Analysis (COA) to support your compliance requirements and quality assurance programs, making Alliance Chemical your trusted partner for consistent, industrial-grade oxalic acid supply.