Chemical Safety Data: Oxalic acid dihydrate

Common synonyms

Oxalic acid, ethanedioic acid

Formula

C₂H₂O₄ 2H₂O

Physical properties

Form: White crystalline solid
Stability: Stable
Melting point: 104 - 106 C
Water solubility: moderate
Specific gravity: 1.65

Principal hazards

Oxalic acid can cause burns to the skin, although, as a weak acid the burns are likely to be less serious than those caused by strong solutions of mineral acids. Oxalic acid may be harmful if you swallow or inhale it.

Safe handling

Safety glasses.

Emergency

Eye contact: Immediately flush the eye with plenty of water. If irritation persists call for medical help.
Skin contact: Wash off with water. If the solid is in contact with the skin for a long period, burns may develop.
If swallowed: Wash out the mouth with water if the patient is conscious. Oxalic acid is probably harmful if swallowed, so if the amount swallowed is more than a trivial quantity, seek medical help.

Disposal

Small amounts of oxalic acid can be flushed down a sink with a large quantity of water, unless local rules prohibit this. Large amounts should be neutralised before disposal.

Protective equipment

Safety glasses. Gloves are not generally required, but if they are to be worn most types of gloves material (e.g., nitrile, butyl rubber, neoprene or PVC) are suitable. PVA gloves are not suitable for handling oxalic acid or its solutions.

Further information

Oxalic acid dihydrate
Chemicals in the HSci database
More extensive safety data

Link to the Oxford HSci web site
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Oxford, February 25, 2005

Common synonyms	Oxalic acid, ethanedioic acid
Formula	C₂H₂O₄ 2H₂O
Physical properties	Form: White crystalline solid Stability: Stable Melting point: 104 - 106 C Water solubility: moderate Specific gravity: 1.65
Principal hazards	Oxalic acid can cause burns to the skin, although, as a weak acid the burns are likely to be less serious than those caused by strong solutions of mineral acids. Oxalic acid may be harmful if you swallow or inhale it.
Safe handling	Safety glasses.
Emergency	Eye contact: Immediately flush the eye with plenty of water. If irritation persists call for medical help. Skin contact: Wash off with water. If the solid is in contact with the skin for a long period, burns may develop. If swallowed: Wash out the mouth with water if the patient is conscious. Oxalic acid is probably harmful if swallowed, so if the amount swallowed is more than a trivial quantity, seek medical help.
Disposal	Small amounts of oxalic acid can be flushed down a sink with a large quantity of water, unless local rules prohibit this. Large amounts should be neutralised before disposal.
Protective equipment	Safety glasses. Gloves are not generally required, but if they are to be worn most types of gloves material (e.g., nitrile, butyl rubber, neoprene or PVC) are suitable. PVA gloves are not suitable for handling oxalic acid or its solutions.
Further information	Oxalic acid dihydrate Chemicals in the HSci database More extensive safety data