Oxalic Acid H2C2O4
CAS No. 144-62-7, ethanedioic acid
Oxalic acid, also called ethanedioic acid (H2C2O4) is a poisonous, colorless organic compound usually found in the form a crystalline hydrate. Oxalic acid was originally produced synthetically in 1776. It's one of the strongest organic compounds - about 3,000 times stronger than acetic acids. Even though it occurs naturally in many plants like spinach, tea, cocoa, nuts, berries, beans and rhubarb (rhubarb contains 0.5% oxalic acid) and animals, it's usually manufactured synthetically in a laboratory by the oxidation of carbohydrates or glucose or it's produced commercially by heating sodium formate.
Oxalic acid is primarily used in the production of household cleaning and bleaching products - especially those aimed at rust removal. It's also used to dye fabrics, as bleach for wood pulp and as a restoration agent for leather and old wood. In smaller quantities, a 3.2% solution of oxalic acid is used by beekeepers to kill mites and sometimes, oxalic acid is rubbed onto marble sculptures to shine and seal the marble surface.
When using oxalic acid, latex gloves, a mask and eye protection should be worn. It should always be mixed and used in a well-ventilated area. In its purified form, oxalic acid is highly corrosive and toxic. However, if you take the correct safety precautions, oxalic acid can be used around the house. For example, rust stains on porous surfaces like carpets and clothing can be removed by using oxalic products. Applying the chemical to the affected areas and blotting the excess will often make the carpeting look as good as new. Oxalic acid can be used to remove blood, ink and urine stains from carpets.
As previously stated, oxalic acid is hazardous. The gases given off during use are dangerous and therefore, careful/proper disposal techniques is advised should been seriously considered.
