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Oxalic acid

IUPAC: oxalic acid

C2H2O4 Acids CAS 144-62-7
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC2H2O4
CAS Number144-62-7
Molecular Weight90.03
Melting Point372 °F (Decomposes) (NTP, 1992)
Boiling PointSublimes (NIOSH, 2024)
Density1.9 at 59 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
Solubility50 to 100 mg/mL at 75 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceOxalic acid is an odorless white solid. Sinks and mixes with water. (USCG, 1999)
Also Known Asethanedioic acid; 144-62-7; Aktisal; Aquisal; Oxiric acid; Oxaalzuur; Oxalsaeure; Kyselina stavelova; Acidum oxalicum; Acide oxalique
CategoryAcids

What is Oxalic acid?

Oxalic acid is an alpha,-dicarboxylic acid that is ethane substituted by carboxyl groups at positions 1 and 2. It has a role as a plant metabolite, a human metabolite and an algal metabolite. It is a conjugate acid of an oxalate and an oxalate(1-).

Formula & Notation

C2H2O4

IUPAC Name: oxalic acid

Other Names / Synonyms: ethanedioic acid; 144-62-7; Aktisal; Aquisal; Oxiric acid; Oxaalzuur; Oxalsaeure; Kyselina stavelova; Acidum oxalicum; Acide oxalique

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Oxalic acid is an odorless white solid. Sinks and mixes with water. (USCG, 1999). Molecular formula: C2H2O4. Molecular weight: 90.03 g/mol. Boiling point: Sublimes (NIOSH, 2024). Melting point: 372 °F (Decomposes) (NTP, 1992). Density: 1.9 at 59 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink. Solubility: 50 to 100 mg/mL at 75 °F (NTP, 1992). Vapor pressure: 0.001 mmHg at 68 °F (NTP, 1992). LogP: -0.3.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point372 °F (Decomposes) (NTP, 1992)
Boiling PointSublimes (NIOSH, 2024)
Density1.9 at 59 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
Molecular Weight90.03
Solubility50 to 100 mg/mL at 75 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceOxalic acid is an odorless white solid. Sinks and mixes with water. (USCG, 1999)

Uses & Applications

Used in industrial chemical synthesis, fertilizer production, battery electrolytes, metal processing, and laboratory acid-base reactions.

Safety Information

Corrosive. Causes severe burns to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Wear appropriate PPE including gloves, goggles, and lab coat. Consult SDS before use.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Oxalic acid
Formula C2H2O4
CAS Number 144-62-7
Molecular Weight 90.03
Category Acids
Synonyms ethanedioic acid; 144-62-7; Aktisal; Aquisal; Oxiric acid; Oxaalzuur; Oxalsaeure; Kyselina stavelova; Acidum oxalicum; Acide oxalique

Frequently Asked Questions

Oxalic acid is an alpha,-dicarboxylic acid that is ethane substituted by carboxyl groups at positions 1 and 2. It has a role as a plant metabolite, a human metabolite and an algal metabolite. It is a conjugate acid of an oxalate and an oxalate(1-).

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Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.