Chemical laboratory

Oxalic Acid Dihydrate Ethanedioic Acid

High-Purity Cleaning Agent and Rust Removal Solution

  • CAS 6153-56-6
  • Formula C₂H₂O₄·2H₂O
  • Flash Pt N/A °C
  • Density 1.65 g/cm³

Physical & Chemical Properties

Property Value Unit
Boiling point N/A (decomposes) °C
Flash point N/A °C
Density 1.65 g/cm³ g/cm³
Solubility 9.5 g/100 mL (20 °C) -
Ph 1.3 (0.1 M solution) -
Molecular weight 126.07 g/mol g/mol
Melting point 101-102°C °C
Vapor pressure N/A mmHg
Autoignition temp N/A -
Appearance White crystalline solid -
Odor Odorless -
Vapor density N/A g/cm³

Overview

Oxalic Acid Dihydrate Ethanedioic Acid (CAS 6153-56-6) is a white crystalline solid with the molecular formula C₂H₂O₄·2H₂O. This highly versatile dicarboxylic acid serves as an essential chemical for numerous industrial and laboratory applications, particularly excelling as a powerful cleaning agent and rust remover. With excellent water solubility (9.5 g/100 mL at 20°C) and acidic properties (pH 1.3 in 0.1 M solution), this compound delivers reliable performance across diverse chemical processes.

Key Applications

  • Rust Removal: Effectively removes iron oxide and rust stains from metal surfaces, making it invaluable for maintenance and restoration work
  • Cleaning Agent: Powerful descaling and cleaning properties for removing mineral deposits, stains, and organic residues from various surfaces
  • Bleaching Agent: Used in textile and paper industries for whitening and stain removal applications
  • Laboratory Reagent: Essential reducing agent and analytical reagent for research and quality control processes

Safety & Handling

Oxalic Acid Dihydrate requires careful handling as it is corrosive and toxic if ingested. Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment including chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and protective clothing. Ensure adequate ventilation when handling this material, as dust inhalation should be avoided. While this compound does not have a flash point or autoignition temperature, proper storage away from incompatible materials is essential for workplace safety.

Storage & Shelf Life

Store in tightly sealed containers in a cool, dry area away from moisture and heat sources. Keep away from strong bases, oxidizing agents, and metals to prevent unwanted reactions. The crystalline structure makes it stable under proper storage conditions, with an extended shelf life when protected from humidity. Use corrosion-resistant containers and ensure proper labeling for regulatory compliance.

Why Alliance Chemical

Alliance Chemical provides same-day shipping of Oxalic Acid Dihydrate Ethanedioic Acid from our Taylor, Texas facility. We offer flexible shipping options including UPS, LTL, and FTL to meet your delivery requirements. Every order includes comprehensive Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and Certificate of Analysis (COA) documentation, ensuring you receive the quality assurance and regulatory compliance support your operations demand.

Shipping & Availability

Parcel Shipping

UPS Ground supports pints, quarts, and most 1-gallon packages nationwide.

LTL Freight

5-gallon pails, drums, and totes move via LTL carriers such as ABF Freight, SEFL, Saia, and XPO.

Full Truckload

FTL available for palletized bulk orders. Competitive freight rates.

Local Pickup

Same-day pickup at our Taylor, TX warehouse for Texas customers.

SDS, COA, and TDS available for every product • Same-day shipping on orders before 1 PM CT

Available Sizes

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is oxalic acid dihydrate (ethanedioic acid) and what is it used for?
Oxalic acid dihydrate (C2H2O4·2H2O) is a white crystalline organic acid used industrially and in labs as a reducing agent, chelating/cleaning agent, descaling and rust-removal chemical, and as a reagent in synthesis and analytical chemistry.
How should oxalic acid dihydrate be stored and what is its typical shelf life?
Store in a cool, dry, well‑ventilated area in the original tightly closed container away from incompatible materials; keep protected from moisture. When stored properly, shelf life is typically 1–3 years but check the supplier’s Certificate of Analysis for the specific lot.
What are the key safety and handling precautions for oxalic acid dihydrate?
Oxalic acid is corrosive and can be harmful by inhalation, ingestion, or skin/eye contact; use appropriate PPE (gloves, eye protection, lab coat) and local exhaust ventilation. Refer to the Safety Data Sheet for first aid, spill response, and disposal instructions and avoid contact with skin, eyes, and incompatible materials.
How do different concentrations and purities of oxalic acid dihydrate affect its use?
Oxalic acid is supplied as solid grades (technical, reagent/ACS) and as aqueous solutions; higher purities (≥99%) are used for analytical and laboratory work while technical grades are used for industrial cleaning and descaling. Choose concentration and grade based on required reactivity, impurity tolerance, and application-specific specifications.
What documentation is available when buying oxalic acid dihydrate?
Suppliers typically provide a Safety Data Sheet (SDS), Certificate of Analysis (CoA), technical data sheet (TDS), and regulatory/compliance documents on request; review the CoA for lot-specific purity and impurity data.
How is oxalic acid dihydrate shipped and what packaging options are common?
It is commonly shipped as a solid in sealed multi‑wall paper sacks, poly-lined bags, fiber drums, or laboratory bottles, and may be supplied in bulk containers for industrial customers. Transport regulations can vary by quantity and destination, so consult the SDS and carrier for hazardous-materials requirements.
What materials is oxalic acid dihydrate compatible or incompatible with?
Compatible materials include glass and many plastics such as HDPE and PTFE; it can attack or corrode reactive metals (e.g., iron, aluminum) and should not be mixed with strong oxidizers or strong bases. Always verify compatibility with the specific concentration and contact the supplier if in doubt.
What are the key technical specifications for oxalic acid dihydrate I should check?
Check chemical name and formula (C2H2O4·2H2O), molar mass (~126.07 g·mol−1), appearance (white crystalline solid), assay/purity, water content, and specified impurity limits as listed on the Certificate of Analysis and technical data sheet.
Which industries and applications commonly use oxalic acid dihydrate?
Common industries include metal treatment (descaling, rust removal), textile and dye processing, electronics cleaning, laboratory and analytical chemistry, and specialty chemical synthesis where reducing or chelating properties are required. It is widely used where controlled chelation or mild reduction is needed.
How can I purchase oxalic acid dihydrate and what should I ask the supplier?
Buy from chemical distributors or manufacturers in the grade and pack size you need; request the SDS and CoA, confirm lead time and minimum order quantity, and ask about available concentrations, packaging options, and any regulatory or transport restrictions for your location.

Documentation & Downloads

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