Oxalic acid - A versatile helper in household and industry
Oxalic acid is an organic compound that is widely distributed in nature and has numerous applications in household, industry, and science. In this blog post, we want to take a closer look at the properties, production methods, and uses of this useful acid.
What is oxalic acid?
Oxalic acid, also known as ethanedioic acid, is a divalent carboxylic acid with the chemical formula H2C2O4. It is one of the simplest organic acids and occurs naturally in many plants, particularly in sorrel, rhubarb, and spinach.
Oxalic acid is a colorless, crystalline compound that is highly soluble in water. It has a sharp, acidic taste and is toxic in higher doses. For this reason, handling oxalic acid should always be done with caution.
Production of oxalic acid
Oxalic acid can be produced in various ways. Industrial production is mostly carried out by the oxidation of carbohydrates such as glucose or sucrose. In this process, the carbon chains of the sugar molecules are gradually broken down into oxalic acid.
Another production method is the reaction of carbon monoxide with sodium hydroxide. This initially produces sodium oxalate, which is then converted to oxalic acid with sulfuric acid.
In smaller quantities, oxalic acid can also be obtained by heating sugar or by oxidizing ethylene glycol.
Applications of oxalic acid
The versatile properties of oxalic acid make it a useful helper in numerous areas:
Use in household and cleaning
Oxalic acid is used as a component of lime cleaners, descaler sprays, and stain removers. Its ability to dissolve limescale deposits makes it an effective cleaning agent for sanitary fittings, coffee machines, and kettles.
In addition, oxalic acid can also be used to remove rust, ink, and ink stains. However, caution should always be exercised when handling the acid, and appropriate protective measures should be taken.
Industrial applications
In industry, oxalic acid is used in various ways. It serves as a raw material for the production of dyes, pharmaceuticals, plastics, and refrigerants. Oxalic acid is also used in metal processing, for example for pickling stainless steel or removing rust stains.
Furthermore, oxalic acid plays an important role in analytical chemistry. It is used as a titration solution, complexing agent, and reducing agent.
Use in agriculture
In agriculture, oxalic acid is used as a feed additive for animals. It can improve feed digestion and prevent deficiency symptoms. Oxalic acid is also used in plant protection products to combat fungal infections, for example.
Medical applications
In medicine, oxalic acid is used to treat gout and kidney stones. Due to its ability to dissolve calcium oxalate crystals, it can alleviate gout symptoms and prevent the formation of kidney stones.
In addition, oxalic acid is used in dentistry, for example as a component of toothpaste or for treating tooth sensitivity.
Safety aspects when using oxalic acid
Although oxalic acid is versatile, caution should always be exercised when handling it. In higher doses, the acid is toxic and can lead to poisoning symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
When handling oxalic acid, appropriate protective measures such as gloves and good ventilation should be taken. It is also important to keep children away from the acid and protect food from contamination.
Overall, oxalic acid is a useful and versatile product with numerous applications in household, industry, and medicine. With proper handling and safety measures, one can benefit from the advantages of this acid.
