Oxalic acid: what do we know about it?

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Oxalic acid: what do we know about it?
Oxalic acid: what do we know about it?
Anonim
oxalic acid formula
oxalic acid formula

Oxalic acid is the simplest dibasic carbolic acid. It is quite often found in nature, its content in plants is especially high, both in the form of s alt crystals and in free form. Other synonyms for this substance are often used in the literature: ethanedioic acid and dihydrate. It was first obtained from diacine in 1824 thanks to the efforts of the German chemist Friedrich Wöhler. International designation - OXALIC ACID dihydrate.

What is oxalic acid?

The formula of this substance looks like this - H2C2O4 It has everything chemical properties that carbonic acids possess. For example, it can be dissolved in alcohol, ether and water. But in chloroform and benzene, oxalic acid is insoluble. This substance is quite active. Since oxalic acid is a strong organic acid, in concentrated form and in large quantities it can cause irritation of the mucous membranes of the stomach, esophagus, respiratory tract, intestines and skin. Therefore, when working with this substance, personal protective equipment is required. Oxalic acid, synthesized for technical purposes, is quite flammable and, in a settled state, if handled carelessly, can cause a fire. According to the level of impact on the human body, the substance in question falls into the group of compounds of the 3rd hazard class.

oxalic acid
oxalic acid

Oxalic acid: where is it used?

First of all, we note that this product is both organic and inorganic. Just the first type in the form of potassium s alts is common in nature in succulents, sorrel, spinach, rhubarb and other plants. Also, this acid can be formed on sugar solutions of a certain number of moldy fungi. In this form, it not only benefits, but is also a necessary element for the normal operation of all physiological functions of the human body. Oxalic acid quickly binds to calcium, and if it is also organic, such a compound is both constructive and useful. Thanks to this, we better absorb calcium, and the peristalsis of the gastrointestinal tract receives additional stimulation.

oxalic acid
oxalic acid

But the inorganic state of this substance, obtained as a result of processing and cooking products, on the contrary, leads to the binding of calcium, which leads to its lack in bone tissue. In addition, in this form, oxalic acid is often deposited in the kidneys in the form of crystals. The second application of this substance is the field of cosmetics. Here, oxalic acid is used as an active additive in various whitening creams. It is also used in analytical chemistry, organic synthesis, in microscopy as a slice bleach, in chemical metallurgy, for example, for cleaning metals from scale and rust, etc. It remains to be added that this product is obtained by oxidizing ethylene glycol with a mixture of sulfuric and nitric acid using a catalyst, usually vanadium pentoxide.

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