Table of Contents
Physical Properties, Manufacturing Process and Uses of Oxalic Acid
Oxalic acid is a colorless, odorless crystalline solid with a slightly sour taste. It is soluble in water and alcohol. Oxalic acid is a dicarboxylic acid, meaning that it has two carboxyl groups (COOH). It is produced industrially by the oxidation of carbohydrates.
Oxalic acid is used in the manufacture of dyes, pharmaceuticals, and cleaning agents. It is also used as a bleaching agent and a rust inhibitor.
Physical Properties of Oxalic Acid
Oxalic acid is a colorless, odorless and crystalline compound. It is soluble in water and slightly soluble in ethanol. Oxalic acid is a weak acid with a pKa of 4.25. It is a dicarboxylic acid with the formula HOOC-CH2-COOH. Oxalic acid is used in the manufacture of dyes and in the bleaching of flour.
History Behind Manufacture of Oxalic Acid
Oxalic acid is a colorless, crystalline solid that is slightly soluble in water. It is a dicarboxylic acid, meaning that it has two carboxyl groups (COOH) attached to a carbon atom. It is produced by the oxidation of carbohydrates, such as glucose, or by the hydrolysis of oxalate salts.
Oxalic acid is used in the textile industry to bleach cotton and other fabrics. It is also used as a rust remover, as a descaling agent for boilers and pipes, and as a leaching agent for removing metals from ores.
Manufacturing of Oxalic Acid
Oxalic acid is manufactured by the oxidation of ethylene glycol with oxygen in the presence of a copper catalyst. The ethylene glycol is vaporized and passed over the copper catalyst, which is in the form of a bed of small copper pellets. The oxygen is supplied as air, which is blown through the bed of copper pellets. The ethylene glycol is converted to oxalic acid, and the oxalic acid is collected in a condenser.
Dimethyl Oxalate Process
In the Dimethyl Oxalate process, an organic compound (dimethyl oxalate) is used to produce acetic acid.
The process begins by heating an aqueous mixture of sodium acetate and calcium carbonate to produce acetic acid and sodium carbonate. Dimethyl oxalate is then added to the acetic acid, and the mixture is heated to produce carbon dioxide and methyl formate. The methyl formate is then used to produce acetic acid and formic acid.
Oxalic Acid and Divalent Ions
The presence of oxalic acid in solution increases the solubility of divalent ions such as calcium, magnesium, and iron. The increased solubility allows the divalent ions to more easily precipitate from the solution.
Uses of Oxalic Acid
Oxalic acid is used in many industries and households.
In industry, it is used as a bleaching agent in the textile and pulp and paper industries. It is also used as a descaling agent to remove calcium and magnesium deposits from boilers and other equipment.
In the home, it is used as a rust stain remover and a cleaner for brass and copper.
Impact of Oxalic Acid on Health
Oxalic acid is a naturally occurring substance found in many plants and vegetables. It is also produced in the body as a by-product of the metabolism of certain foods. While oxalic acid is generally considered to be safe, there are some potential health concerns associated with its consumption.
One potential health concern associated with oxalic acid is the formation of calcium oxalate crystals in the body. These crystals can form in the kidneys and cause kidney stones.
Additionally, oxalic acid can interfere with the absorption of certain nutrients, including calcium and magnesium. This can lead to deficiencies in these nutrients and other health problems.
Finally, oxalic acid can also cause irritation and discomfort in the digestive system.
Disposal Considerations
Do not flush in toilet. Place in trash.
Physical Properties of Oxalic Acid
Oxalic acid is a colorless, odorless, and soluble in water.
