Oxalic acid , also known as (Dicarboxylic Acid or Ethanedioic Acid). It is an organic acid that responds to the general formula C 2 H 2 O 4 .2H 2 O.
Properties
It comes in the form of colorless, odorless crystals with an acidic flavor. Slightly heated effloresce, at 70 o C it becomes anhydrous (without water ), at 100 o C it begins to sublimate, at 160 o C it undergoes igneous fusion and at higher temperatures it decomposes.
It is soluble in 10 parts of water and 2.5 parts of alcohol ; it is poorly soluble in ether . Contact with the skin should be avoided, as it causes irritation.
It is obtained by passing Carbon Monoxide through a hot, concentrated solution of [Sodium hydroxide]] under pressure and then converting the Sodium Formate into Oxalate and converting the latter to acid. Also Sawdust treated with dilute acid or alkali yields a solution containing oxalic acid or the oxalate alkalis.
Its developed structural formula is as follows:
O O – H
\\ /
C – C + 2H 2 O
/ \\
H – O O
Applications
- In Chemistry:
- Purifying agent in the manufacture of Glycerin.
- Obtaining formic acidby reaction with glycerin.
- Obtaining Estersof Formic Acid.
- Obtaining pure Dextrin by hydrolysis of the Starch.
- Purification of Tartaric Acid.
- Elimination of the last traces of Limein the manufacture of Cream of Tartar and Glycolic Acid.
- Analytical reagent.
- Manufacture of intermediate dyes.
- Stearin purification.
- Straw bleaching.
- Coalwashing .
- Regeneration of colored spark plugs.
- Metal polish.
- Urineand Ink Eliminators .
- Cleaning agent in brewing.
- Elaboration of blue inks.
- Photogravure and Lithography.
- Railroad car cleaner.
- Anti-chlorine and anti-rust agent in laundry.
