Oxalic acid

  • Ethanedioic acid
Formula (COOH)2
Structure
Description Odorless white solid.
Uses Scouring agent in textile finishing, stripping, cleaning, for bleach & stain remover, rust, grease, and wax removing agent in metal cleaning, chemical int.

Registry Numbers and Inventories.
CAS 144-62-7
EC (EINECS/ELINCS) 205-634-3
EC Index Number 607-006-00-8
EC Class Harmful
RTECS RO2450000
RTECS class Reproductive Effector; Human Data; Primary Irritant
UN (DOT) 3261
Merck 12,7043
Beilstein/Gmelin 385686
Beilstein Reference 4-02-00-01819
EPA OPP 9601
Swiss Giftliste 1 G-2077
Canada DSL/NDSL DSL
US TSCA Listed
Austrailia AICS Listed
New Zealand Listed
Japan ENCS (MITI) Listed

Odor Threshold Odor threshold Odorless
Properties.
Formula C2H2O4
Formula mass 90.04
Melting point, °C 99 - 100
Boiling point, °C 365
Decomposition point, °C 188
Vapor pressure, mmHg 2.5E-5 (25 C)
Vapor density (air=1) 4.3
Density 1.948 g/cm3 (-143 C)
Solubility in water 140 g/L
pKa/pKb 1.46 (pKa)
Partition coefficient, pKow -0.62
Heat of vaporization 67.2 kJ/mol
Heat of combustion -245.6 kJ/mol

Hazards and Protection.
Storage Keep container closed when not in use. Store in a tightly closed container. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances.
Handling Wash thoroughly after handling. Use only in a well ventilated area. Minimize dust generation and accumulation. Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing. Keep container tightly closed. Do not ingest or inhale. Discard contaminated shoes.
Protection Eyes: Wear appropriate protective eyeglasses or chemical safety goggles as described by OSHA's eye and face protection regulations in 29 CFR 1910.133 or European Standard EN166. Skin: Wear appropriate protective gloves to prevent skin exposure. Clothing: Wear appropriate protective clothing to prevent skin exposure.
Respirators Follow the OSHA respirator regulations found in 29CFR 1910.134 or European Standard EN 149. Always use a NIOSH or European Standard EN 149 approved respirator when necessary.
Small spills/leaks Avoid runoff into storm sewers and ditches which lead to waterways. Clean up spills immediately, using the appropriate protective equipment. Sweep up or absorb material, then place into a suitable clean, dry, closed container for disposal. Avoid generating dusty conditions. Provide ventilation.
Stability Stable under normal temperatures and pressures.
Incompatibilities Strong oxidizing agents, bases, hypochlorite, sodium chloride, stong alkalies, chlorites.
Decomposition Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, acrid smoke and fumes, formic acid.

Fire.
Flash Point,°C 189
Upper exp. limit, % 28
Lower exp. limit, % 8.5
Fire fighting Wear a self-contained breathing apparatus in pressure-demand, MSHA/NIOSH (approved or equivalent), and full protective gear. During a fire, irritating and highly toxic gases may be generated by thermal decomposition or combustion. Use water spray to keep fire-exposed containers cool. Substance is noncombustible. Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. Containers may explode if exposed to fire. Extinguishing media: Do NOT get water inside containers. For small fires, use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or water spray. For large fires, use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, alcohol-resistant foam, or water spray. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out.
Fire potential Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes.
Hazards Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas.
Combustion products Generates poisonous gases
NFPA Health 3
  Flammability 1  
  Reactivity 0  

Health.
Exposure limit(s) TLV: ppm; 1 mg/m3; 2 mg/m3 (STEL) (ACGIH 1995-1996). OSHA PEL: TWA 1 mg/m3 NIOSH REL: TWA 1 mg/m3 ST 2 mg/m3 NIOSH IDLH: 500 mg/m3
Poison_Class 2
Exposure effects Increased deep tendon reflexes, drowsiness, stupor, seizures and coma may be noted.
   Ingestion Causes gastrointestinal tract burns. The toxicological properties of this substance have not been fully investigated. May cause nervous system
   Inhalation Causes chemical burns to the respiratory tract. The toxicological properties of this substance have not been fully investigated.
   Skin Causes skin burns.
   Eyes Causes eye burns.

First aid
 
   Ingestion Do NOT induce vomiting. If victim is conscious and alert, give 2-4 cupfuls of milk or water. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Get medical aid immediately.
   Inhalation Get medical aid immediately. Remove from exposure to fresh air immediately. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. DO NOT use mouth-to-mouth respiration. If breathing has ceased apply artificial respiration using oxygen and a suitable mechanical device such as a bag and a mask.
   Skin Get medical aid immediately. Immediately flush skin with plenty of soap and water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Wash clothing before reuse. Destroy contaminated shoes.
   Eyes Flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the upper and lower eyelids. Get medical aid immediately. Do NOT allow victim to rub or keep eyes closed. Extensive irrigation is required (at least 30 minutes).

Transport.
UN number 3261
Response guide 154
Hazard class 8
Packing Group I; II; III  
USCG CHRIS Code OXA