Oxalic Acid — C₂H₂O₄·2H₂O
High-purity oxalic acid dihydrate for wood bleaching, rust/scale removal, metal cleaning, laundry/stain treatment, and water treatment (calcium removal). White, odorless crystalline solid; readily soluble in water.
Overview
Oxalic Acid (dihydrate) is widely used as a specialty acid for cleaning and brightening: removing rust and mineral stains, brightening wood prior to finishing, and descaling metal surfaces. In water treatment it helps precipitate calcium; across industrial processes it serves as a reducing agent in select applications.
Common Applications
- ✓Wood & Surfaces: bleaching/brightening wood; removing rust and tannin stains.
- ✓Metal & Equipment: acid cleaner/descaler; stain and oxide removal.
- ✓Laundry/Housekeeping: rust/iron stain treatment (per label directions).
- ✓Cleaning Minerals and Gemstones - : aids in removing stains on certain rocks and gemstones and minerals particularly quartz, and other mineral specimens. It works by chemically dissolving the iron oxides responsible for the stains (Test First) Oxalic may not be effective on all minerals and rocks and may harm or cause a reaction with minerals containing calcite.
For alkalis/builders to pair in cleaning formulas, explore Soda Ash (Sodium Carbonate) and other options in our Chemicals & Ingredients catalog.
Typical Specifications
| Grade | Industrial/Technical |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 6153-56-6 |
| Formula | C₂H₂O₄·2H₂O |
| Assay | ≥ 99% (typical) |
| Appearance | White crystalline solid (odorless) |
| Water Solubility | Soluble in water |
| pH (approx.) | Strongly acidic in solution |
| Packaging | 50 lb bags; supersacks; bulk—ask for options |
Storage & Handling
- ✓Consult SDS before use and for full safety information.
- ✓Keep in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place; keep container tightly closed. Product is hygroscopic—avoid moisture.
- ✓Avoid dust formation and inhalation; provide local exhaust/adequate ventilation during handling.
- ✓Wear appropriate PPE (eye/face protection and chemical-resistant gloves); wash thoroughly after handling.
Related Products & Accessories
Round out your formulation with complementary alkalis and builders for pH control and detergency support.
- ✓Soda Ash (Sodium Carbonate) — alkalinity & builder.
- ✓Sodium Sulfate — filler/processing aid.
- ✓Explore all Chemicals & Ingredients — full catalog.
