Description
Oxalic acid has several common uses in different fields, some of which include:
- Rust removal: Oxalic acid is an effective rust remover and is commonly used to clean rust stains from metal surfaces.
- Wood bleaching: It is used in wood bleaching to remove stains, discolorations, and watermarks from wood.
- Cleaning: Oxalic acid is used as a cleaning agent in many applications, such as cleaning concrete, tiles, and other surfaces.
- Removing mineral deposits: It can dissolve mineral deposits, such as calcium and iron, from toilets, sinks, and other plumbing fixtures.
- Metal cleaning: Oxalic acid is used to clean metals, such as brass and bronze, and to remove tarnish from silver.
- Medical applications: It is used in medical applications as a chelating agent to remove excess iron from the body.
- Synthesis of chemicals: Oxalic acid is used as a raw material for the synthesis of various chemicals, such as formic acid, glyoxylic acid, and oxamide.
It’s important to note that oxalic acid is toxic and should be handled with care. Protective clothing and equipment should be worn when handling oxalic acid, and it should be stored in a secure and ventilated location.