Oxalic Acid丨CAS 144-62-7

Oxalic acid丨144-62-7 is a dicarboxylic acid with the chemical formula C₂H₂O₄. It is a strong organic acid that occurs naturally in plants such as rhubarb, spinach, and cocoa. In its pure form, oxalic acid is a colorless crystalline solid that is highly soluble in water. It is widely used in industrial, pharmaceutical, and household applications due to its strong acidity and chelating properties.

1. Cleaning and Rust Removal
● Metal Cleaning: Oxalic acid丨144-62-7 is commonly used to clean metals, especially to remove rust (iron oxide) from steel surfaces. It works by forming soluble iron oxalate complexes, effectively dissolving rust.
● Household Cleaning: It is an ingredient in many household cleaning products, particularly for removing stains caused by minerals, rust, and ink.
● Wood Bleaching: Oxalic acid is used to bleach and lighten wood surfaces, restoring their natural color.
2. Textile and Leather Industry
● Dyeing and Bleaching: In the textile industry, oxalic acid is used as a bleaching agent for fabrics and as a mordant in dyeing processes to help fix colors.
● Leather Tanning: It is used in the leather industry for tanning and treating hides to improve texture and durability.
3. Chemical Synthesis and Industrial Applications
● Precursor in Chemical Manufacturing: Oxalic acid is used in the production of various chemicals, including oxalates, pharmaceuticals, and fine chemicals.
● Purification of Rare Earth Metals: It is used in the refining process of rare earth elements by forming insoluble oxalates, which are later converted into high-purity metals.
● Electroplating and Metal Polishing: Oxalic acid is used in electroplating solutions and to polish aluminum and other metals.
4. Agriculture and Pest Control
● Bee Health (Varroa Mite Treatment): Beekeepers use oxalic acid as a treatment for Varroa mites, a common parasite affecting honeybee colonies.
● Weed Control: Some herbicidal formulations contain oxalic acid due to its effectiveness in controlling unwanted plant growth.
5. Pharmaceutical and Medical Uses
● Calcium Oxalate Studies: Oxalic acid is studied in medical research related to kidney stones, as calcium oxalate is a primary component of many kidney stones.
● Anticoagulant in Laboratories: It is used in some laboratory tests as an anticoagulant to prevent blood clotting.
6. Food Processing
● Food Additive and pH Regulator: In some applications, oxalic acid is used to adjust pH levels in food products, though its use is limited due to its ability to bind calcium and reduce calcium absorption in the body.

✅ Powerful Cleaning and Rust Removal Properties
● One of the strongest natural acid cleaners, it effectively dissolves rust, mineral deposits, and stains.
✅ Effective Chelating Agent
● Forms stable complexes with metal ions, making it useful in metal purification, industrial processing, and water treatment.
✅ Versatile Industrial Applications
● Used in multiple industries, including textiles, pharmaceuticals, and metallurgy, making it an essential industrial chemical.
✅ Naturally Occurring Compound
● Found in many plants, making it an organic option for some applications, such as beekeeping and food processing.
✅ Cost-Effective and Readily Available
● Affordable and widely available, making it a preferred choice for cleaning, metal treatment, and chemical production.

Oxalic acid丨144-62-7 is a highly versatile organic acid with applications in cleaning, textiles, chemical synthesis, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and metallurgy. Its strong acidic and chelating properties make it an effective rust remover, bleaching agent, and metal purifier. Despite its benefits, it should be handled carefully, as excessive exposure can be harmful to humans and animals.