Oxalic Acid: Formula, Properties, Structure and Uses

Oxalic acid belongs to dicarboxylic acid that contains good strength to manage different things in the body including blood, kidney, and others. It is a necessary acid for the body to reduce some critical issues in the body because of the less amount of oxalic acid in our body. Moreover, it is known as Ethanedioic acid because of its properties. The chemical formula of oxalic acid is C₂H₂O₄. Besides, it is used for various things such as reducing calcium from wastewater and others. In addition to that, Oxalic acid is available in the solid and liquid states as well. Let’s learn more about oxalic acid along with a few important questions.

Keyterms: Acid, Dicarboxylic acid, Ethanedioic acid, Blood, Kidney, Acetic acid, Carbohydrates, polymorphs

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What is Oxalic Acid?

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As already discussed, it is a dicarboxylic acid with the chemical formula C₂H₂O₄. It is also known as Oxalic acid or Ethanedioic acid. Oxalic acid is found in many vegetables as well as in many plants. It is having greater acidic strength as compared to acetic acids. Besides, it is a dicarboxylic acid which is having a condensed formula HOOC-COOH. Moreover, it is also dangerous in Excess consumption conditions. Thus, it should be used in a limited value. Oxalic acid is produced by the oxidation of carbohydrates, which is a necessity for our body as well. It has a structure with two polymorphs. Moreover, it becomes a colorless solution after dissolving in water. In the case of solid-state, it looks white crystalline. 

Oxalic ​acid

The video below explains this:

Oxalic Acid Detailed Video Explanation:

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Oxalic Acid Formula

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The chemical formula of oxalic acid is C₂H₂O₄. It occurs in the cell sap of Oxalis and Rumex species of plants. Moreover, it is a weak acid in an aqueous solution, which can be partially ionized. It has included two acidic protons that can be ionized as well. It is one of the most powerful organic acids because of its properties and behavior. Oxalic acid is also known as diprotic acid.

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Equivalent Weight of Oxalic Acid

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The molar mass of hydrated oxalic acid is 126 grams per mole, therefore its compound can be written as COOH-COOH. Thus, it is clear that it can donate two H+ ions. So we can calculate the equivalent weight of oxalic acid by this formula:

Equivalent weight = (molecular weight)/(number of equivalent moles)

Thus, the equivalent weight of oxalic acid can be calculated as follows:

Equivalent mass of oxalic acid = molecular mass of oxalic acid/2 = 126g/2 = 63 grams.

Besides, it is necessary to know about the basic working of it.

Therefore, the equivalent weight of oxalic acid is 63 grams.

Also check:

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Structure of Oxalic Acid

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It can be observed that, in its anhydrous form, oxalic acid is present in two different polymorphs. Hydrogen bonding takes place in the first polymorph of oxalic acid. This hydrogen bonding leads to a chain-like structure at the intermolecular level. The second polymorph of this compound is subject to hydrogen bonding as well. However, the hydrogen bonding imputes a sheet-like structure to the compound at the intermolecular level in this case. This compound is largely used in esterification reactions that give two important properties. The first property makes oxalic acid ideal for esterification reactions and is acidic nature. The second and most important property of oxalic acid is its hydrophilic nature wherein it tends to seek water.

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Properties of Oxalic Acid

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Uses of Oxalic Acid

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• It can be used to remove rust, which is helpful in bleaching and cleaning as well.
• It can be used as a mordant in dyeing processes.
• Oxalic acid can be used in vaporized form for beekeepers.
• Oxalic acid can be used for removing stains of various things such as ink, food, and mustard.
• It is used for developing photographic films as a reducing agent.
• We can use it for removing calcium from wastewater.

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Impact of Oxalic Acid on Health

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When it comes to Health, oxalic Acid is good for health, especially for kidney and blood issues. Moreover, calcium can be removed from blood using oxalic acid. It is helpful in removing obstructs from the kidney as well. It is a good acid for managing all issues in kidney and renal damage. Besides, it is beneficial to reduce issues in our body such as severe itching, dermatitis, and issues. In addition to that eye contact may result in corrosive effects.

Furthermore, it is a good way to manage all the internal processes of the body. Thus, it is a necessary element for the body especially the kidney and blood. There are many other benefits of oxalic acid in limited value.

In conclusion, it is a basic need of the body to manage the amount of calcium. Besides, it is also used externally for the cleaning process as well. However, there are some side effects of it but all are considerable.

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Things to Remember

• Oxalic acid is a dicarboxylic acid with the chemical formula C₂H₂O₄. It is also known as Oxalic acid or Ethanedioic acid. Oxalic acid is found in many vegetables as well as in many plants. 
• The chemical formula of oxalic acid is C₂H₂O₄. It occurs in the cell sap of Oxalis and Rumex species of plants. Moreover, it is a weak acid in an aqueous solution, which can be partially ionized. 
• The molar mass of hydrated oxalic acid is 126 grams per mole, therefore its compound can be written as COOH-COOH. Thus, it is clear that it can donate two H+ ions. 
• Molecular Weight/ Molar Mass of oxalic acid is 90.03 g/mol.
• The melting point of oxalic acid is 189 to 191 °C.
• It can be used as a mordant in dyeing processes.
• Oxalic acid can be used in vaporized form for beekeepers.
• Oxalic acid can be used for removing stains of various things such as ink, food, and mustard.