Content Curator
Oxalic acid is a colourless crystalline dicarboxylic acid which produces a colourless solution dissolving in water. It is a toxic organic substance. Oxalic acid is a reducing agent and its conjugate base is called oxalate. It is used as an acid rinse in laundries.
| Table of Content |
Key Terms: Corrosive Acid, Oxalic Acid, Dicarboxylic Acid, Organic Compound, Ascorbic Acid, Glyoxylic Acid, Crystallization
What Is Oxalic Acid?
[Click Here for Sample Questions]
Oxalic acid which is also known as ethanedioic acid is a type of dicarboxylic acid. Oxalic acid is a naturally found compound in vegetables and plants. In its solid state, it is odourless and colourless.
Structure Of Oxalic Acid
Oxalic acid takes the form of a white crystal substance after purification. The human body also produces oxalic acid by the metabolism of ascorbic or glyoxylic acid. The acid is removed through urine from the body.
In industries, oxalic acid is used as a general reducing agent. It is corrosive in nature and has a higher toxicity level than other substances. It is important to dispose of this chemical properly after use.
Uses Of Oxalic Acid
[Click Here for Sample Questions]
The uses of oxalic acid are specified below:
Oxalic Acid In Hospitals: In the medical industry, medicine companies use acid to purify chemicals and dilute them. The oxalic acid in raw form is non-lethal. The acid can still be harmful to the body.
Oxalic Acid As In Industry: The chemical is applied for mineral processing mechanisms. The oxalic acid can also be used to sterilize equipment. The people from the textile industry use it for bleaching clothes.
Oxalic Acid As Cleaning Agent: Oxalic acid is used to clean the toughest dirt. It is also used to remove rust and stains from metals. Oxalic acid is also ideal for polishing stone and treating old wood.
Other Uses Of Oxalic Acid: The miscellaneous uses of oxalic acid is:-
It is used in photographic film. The acid is useful in treating wastewater. Oxalic acid is also used as a mordant in dyeing processes. And helps in removing the stain of mustard, ink, or food stains.
Also Read:
| Important Topic Related To Oxalic Acid | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preparation of Standard Solution of Oxalic Acid | Physical Properties of Water | Oxidation and Reduction |
| Uses Of Nitric Acid | Uses Of Hydrochloric Acid | Uses Of Folic Acid |
Physical Properties Of Oxalic Acid
[Click Here for Sample Questions]
The physical properties of oxalic acid are:
- Molecular weight: 90.03gm/mole (anhydrous) 126.07gm/mole (dihydrate)
- Appearance: Orthorhombic colourless crystals
- Odour: Odourless
- Boiling point: 157ºC at 1.013hPa (anhydrous)
- Melting point: 101ºC, sublimes at 150ºC (dihydrate)
Impact Of Oxalic Acid On Health
[Click Here for Sample Questions]
Oxalic acid is harmful to health. The significant impacts on health are as follows:
- If oxalic acid is inhaled it results in severe irritation and burns of the nose, throat, and respiratory tract.
- If oxalic acid is eaten, it damages the renal causing bloody urine.
- If oxalic acid comes in contact with skin, it causes severe itching and burning sensations.
- If oxalic acid contacts the eye, it results in corrosive effects.
- Chronic exposure to oxalic acid leads to inflammation of the upper respiratory tract.
Also Read:
| Chapter Related Topic | ||
|---|---|---|
| Balanced Chemical Equations | Acid And Bases | Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4) |
| List of Strong Acids | Enthalpy of Neutralization of Strong Acid and Strong Base | Arsenic Acid |
Things To Remember
- Oxalic acid is a toxic organic substance.
- Oxalic acid is also known as ethanedioic acid.
- The human body also produces oxalic acid.
- The acid is harmful to the body.
- Oxalic acid is corrosive in nature.
Sample Questions
Ques. Define oxalic acid. (2 Marks)
Ans. Oxalic acid is a type of dicarboxylic acid. It is a naturally found compound in vegetables and plants. In its solid state, it is odourless and colourless. The human body also produces this acid by the metabolism of ascorbic or glyoxylic acid. The acid is removed through urine from the body.
In industries, oxalic acid is used as a general reducing agent. It is corrosive in nature and has a higher toxicity level than other substances. It is important to dispose of this chemical properly after use.
Ques. What are the uses of oxalic acid? (3 Marks)
Ans. The uses of oxalic acid are:
- The acid is used for dyeing processes.
- The acid removes the rust.
- It is used for both cleaning and bleaching purposes.
- Oxalic acid is even a beekeeper.
- The acid is a useful stain remover.
Ques. Why do we heat oxalic acid solution containing sulphuric acid up to 50 - 60 degrees Celcius in the permanganate titration? (2 Marks)
Ans. We heat oxalic acid solution containing sulphuric acid up to 50 - 60 degrees. Celcius in the permanganate titration because the reaction between potassium manganate and oxalic acid in an acidic medium is slow at a certain normal temperature. And heating at 50-60 degrees celcius helps in keeping oxalic acid in a decomposed state to facilitate better interaction between oxalate and potassium permanganate.
Ques. What is the appearance of oxalic acid? (1 Mark)
Ans. Oxalic acid is a colourless and odourless crystal with orthorhombic structures.
Ques. What is the alternative to oxalic acid? (1.5 Marks)
Ans. The alternative to oxalic acid is hydrochloric acid. It acts very similarly to sulphuric acid. Hydrochloric acid also eliminates rust and iron oxide in metals
Ques. State the physical properties of oxalic acid. (2 Marks)
Ans. The physical properties of oxalic acid are:
- Molecular weight of oxalic acid are: 90.03 gm/mole (anhydrous) 126.07gm/mole (dihydrate)
- Appearance of oxalic acid is: orthorhombic colourless crystals
- Odour of oxalic acid: Odourless
- Boiling point of oxalic acid: 1570C at 1.013 hPa (anhydrous)
- Melting point of oxalic acid: 1010C, sublimes at 1500C (dihydrate)
Ques. State the formula and basicity of oxalic acid. (1 Mark)
Ans. The formula of oxalic acid is (COOH)2.2H2O and the basicity of oxalic acid is 2 which proves its dibasic acid.
Ques. What is the solubility and density of oxalic acid? (1.5 Marks)
Ans. The oxalic acid is soluble in water and as well as in absolute alcohol and ether. An anhydrous oxalic acid has a density of 1.90gm/cm3 whereas the dihydrate form of oxalic acid has a density of 1.653gm/cm3.
Ques. How can we neutralize oxalic acid? (1 Mark)
Ans. To neutralize the symptoms of oxalic acids, we need to soak, scrub for a couple of minutes in running water and then immerse in the solution of baking soda before drying. The process takes more than 24 hours to show its effect.
Ques. Why do we heat the solution of oxalic acid before KMnO4 while starting the titration? (2 Marks)
Ans. We heat the solution of oxalic acid at first because it is a slow process. The reaction requires more energy than the activation energy. To increase the energy, the temperature should be raised and it is done by heating the solution of oxalic acid.
Also Read:
Comments