Oxalic Acid is a high-purity, crystalline organic compound widely used across industrial, commercial, and laboratory applications. Known for its strong reducing ability and powerful chelating properties, Oxalic Acid plays a vital role in cleaning, metal treatment, textile processing, and chemical synthesis. At 99.6% minimum purity, it provides exceptional performance, consistent quality, and reliable results in demanding industrial environments.

Chemical & Physical Overview

Chemical Formula: C₂H₂O₄·2H₂O

Purity: 99.6% minimum

Appearance: White crystalline powder

Solubility: Highly soluble in warm water; moderately soluble in cold water

Odor: Odorless

Stability: Stable under normal conditions; sensitive to heat and reactive substances

Oxalic Acid is naturally present in plants such as spinach, rhubarb, and leafy greens; however, in industrial-grade form, it is synthetically produced to ensure high purity and controlled quality.

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Key Features & Functional Properties

1. Powerful Reducing Agent

Oxalic Acid functions as a strong reducing agent, capable of removing rust, corrosion, and metallic scales from iron, steel, and other metals. This property makes it a preferred component in:

Industrial cleaning formulations

Metal surface treatment

Rust removal and descaling processes

2. Excellent Chelating Ability

Oxalic Acid forms stable complexes with metal ions such as calcium, magnesium, and iron. This chelating action is essential in:

Water treatment

Laundry and detergent formulations

Textile dyeing and bleaching

Polishing and descaling of surfaces

3. High Efficiency in Cleaning & Brightening

It is widely used in cleaning solutions for household, industrial, and automotive applications. Its ability to remove:

Rust marks

Mineral deposits

Hard water stains

Oxide layers
makes it a powerful ingredient in specialized cleaning formulations.

 

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Industrial Applications

1. Textile & Leather Industry

Oxalic Acid is widely used in textile processing for bleaching, stain removal, and color correction. It offers:

Improved fabric brightness

Removal of iron-based stains

Better dye absorption

In leather processing, it helps in tanning and pH adjustment, ensuring high-quality output.

2. Metal Treatment & Surface Cleaning

In metal industries, Oxalic Acid is used to:

Remove rust and corrosion

Clean stainless steel

Polish metal surfaces

Prepare metal parts for electroplating

Its controlled action ensures metal integrity while improving surface appearance.

3. Cleaning & Detergent Formulations

Oxalic Acid is a key ingredient in:

Toilet bowl cleaners

Tile and ceramic cleaners

Hard water scale removers

Household stain removers

It effectively eliminates mineral deposits, limescale, and stubborn stains without damaging surfaces.

4. Chemical Production & Laboratory Use

Oxalic Acid is used as a reagent in chemical synthesis, analytical testing, and laboratory experiments, including:

Standardization of solutions

Precipitation reactions

Organic synthesis pathways

Its high purity ensures accuracy in laboratory settings.

5. Wood Restoration & Furniture Care

Oxalic Acid helps lighten dark water stains, iron marks, and discoloration in wood. It is commonly used in:

Furniture restoration

Timber bleaching

Surface refinishing

This results in a clean, natural appearance of wooden surfaces.

6. Food & Pharmaceutical Uses (with controlled grades)

Although industrial-grade Oxalic Acid is not intended for food or pharmaceutical applications, purified forms may be used in:

Calcium removal processes

Stabilization of certain formulations

However, strict regulatory control is required for these uses.

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Benefits

High purity ensures consistent performance

Strong rust and stain removal capability

Effective as a chelating and reducing agent

Enhances brightness in textiles and surfaces

Versatile across multiple industries

Highly soluble and easy to prepare in solution form

Stable, long shelf-life under proper storage

 

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Storage & Handling

Oxalic Acid should be stored in:

A cool, dry, and well-ventilated area

Tightly sealed packaging

Away from heat sources, strong oxidizers, and reactive chemicals

Proper PPE—gloves, eyewear, and protective clothing—should be used while handling due to its corrosive and irritant nature.

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Conclusion

Oxalic Acid (C₂H₂O₄·2H₂O, 99.6% Min) is a highly efficient, versatile, and indispensable chemical used across diverse industries. Its strong reducing power, excellent metal-chelating capability, and superior cleaning action make it essential for textile processing, metal treatment, chemical manufacturing, cleaning formulations, and laboratory use. With exceptional purity and reliability, it meets the needs of modern industrial operations by delivering consistent performance and exceptional results.