{"id":6379,"date":"2025-03-30T22:58:28","date_gmt":"2025-03-30T20:58:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mismumi.com\/en\/?page_id=6379"},"modified":"2025-02-14T14:19:34","modified_gmt":"2025-02-14T13:19:34","slug":"oxalic-acid","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.mismumi.com\/en\/oxalic-acid\/","title":{"rendered":"Oxalic acid: uses, formula, food sources, and selling prices"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>Oxalic acid<\/strong> is a derivative of Oxalis plants, although it can also be obtained through chemical reactions with other elements. It has uses in food, beekeeping, and as a product for removing rust. It comes in different chemical forms such as dihydrate and sublimated, and in presentations like powder and liquid. Based on its formula, let\u2019s explore all its properties and characteristics.<\/p><aside class=\"adsini\"><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script><!-- ah_inicio_articulo --><ins class=\"adsbygoogle ah-inicio-articulo\" style=\"display:block\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-9582652217436894\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"2508209597\" data-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins><script>(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});<\/script><\/aside>\n<h2><span id=\"Oxalic-acid\">Oxalic acid<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>It belongs to the group of ethanedioic acids, being a dicarboxylic acid that consists of two carbon atoms in its molecular composition. The chemical formula of oxalic acid is H\u2082C\u2082O\u2084.<\/p>\n<p>Although it is present in the plant called Oxalis, it is highly corrosive, much more so than other acids used as a treatment for bee parasites.<\/p>\n<p>There are different formulations and compositions with some variations in their chemical structure, which determines their different uses. Let\u2019s take a look at them.<br \/>\n<div id=\"toc_container\" class=\"toc_white no_bullets\"><p class=\"toc_title\">Contents<\/p><ul class=\"toc_list\"><li><a href=\"#Oxalic-acid\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">1<\/span> Oxalic acid<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Types-and-commercial-presentations\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">2<\/span> Types and commercial presentations<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#Dihydrated-oxalic-acid\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">2.1<\/span> Dihydrated oxalic acid<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Sublimated-or-with-a-sublimator\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">2.2<\/span> Sublimated or with a sublimator<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#Uses-of-oxalic-acid\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">3<\/span> Uses of oxalic acid<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Uses-of-oxalic-acid-in-beekeeping\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">4<\/span> Uses of oxalic acid in beekeeping<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#To-remove-rust\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">5<\/span> To remove rust<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Relation-to-acetic-acid\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">6<\/span> Relation to acetic acid<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Oxalic-acid-formula-and-chemical-characteristics\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">7<\/span> Oxalic acid formula and chemical characteristics<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Foods-containing-oxalic-acid\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">8<\/span> Foods containing oxalic acid<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Toxicity\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">9<\/span> Toxicity<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Production\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">10<\/span> Production<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Where-can-it-be-purchased\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">11<\/span> Where can it be purchased?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Types-and-commercial-presentations\">Types and commercial presentations<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Dihydrated oxalic acid<\/li>\n<li>Sublimated<\/li>\n<li>Powder<\/li>\n<li>Liquid<\/li>\n<li>Strips<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span id=\"Dihydrated-oxalic-acid\">Dihydrated oxalic acid<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-98615 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mismumi.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/dihydrated-oxalic-acid.jpg\" alt=\"Dihydrated oxalic acid\" width=\"336\" height=\"280\" title=\"\"><\/p>\n<p>It is a similar element, except that it contains water. When the term \u201cdihydrated\u201d is added, it means that <strong>dihydrated oxalic acid<\/strong> has two water molecules for each one of the main element. In its nomenclature, it should be written as \u201c2H\u2082O,\u201d while in the trihydrated version, it is \u201c3H\u2082O.\u201d<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Sublimated-or-with-a-sublimator\">Sublimated or with a sublimator<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>It is widely used in beekeeping as it helps to control varroa mites. <strong>Sublimated oxalic acid<\/strong> is a product that can facilitate treatment in some phases of varroosis, requiring a vaporizer or \u201csublimator\u201d for such use.<\/p><div class=\"clear\"><\/div><center><aside class=\"ads2\"><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block; text-align:center;\" data-ad-layout=\"in-article\" data-ad-format=\"fluid\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-9582652217436894\" data-ad-slot=\"1797353553\"><\/ins><script>(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});<\/script><\/aside><\/center><div class=\"clear\"><\/div>\n<p>The term \u201csublimated\u201d refers to the change in chemical state, meaning the transition from solid to gas. When purchased in the form of a white powder, it can be converted into gas to vaporize the hive, making it easier to disinfect and eliminate parasites in bees.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Uses-of-oxalic-acid\">Uses of oxalic acid<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-98616 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mismumi.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/oxalic-acid-uses.jpg\" alt=\"Uses of Oxalic acid\" width=\"720\" height=\"440\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mismumi.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/oxalic-acid-uses.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.mismumi.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/oxalic-acid-uses-336x205.jpg 336w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" title=\"\"><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Eliminating varroa mites in beekeeping<\/li>\n<li>Polishing marble<\/li>\n<li>Rust removal<\/li>\n<li>Disinfecting and cleaning<\/li>\n<li>Whitening tanned leather<\/li>\n<li>Removing iron from textiles<\/li>\n<li>Metal stripping<\/li>\n<li>Treating old wood<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>One of the most well-known <strong>uses of oxalic acid<\/strong> is for polishing marble, as well as softening the texture of construction materials used for flooring.<\/p><div class=\"clear\"><\/div><center><!-- ah_3_ads --><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-9582652217436894\" data-ad-slot=\"7212672277\" data-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins><script>(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});<\/script><\/aside><\/center><div class=\"clear\"><\/div>\n<p>Since <strong>it is corrosive<\/strong> and destroys organic tissue, it has <strong>antiseptic properties<\/strong>. When applied in low concentrations on surfaces, it can eliminate parasites and clean decay, making it useful for cleaning bathrooms and personal hygiene areas.<\/p>\n<p>In the metallurgical industry, it is applied as a solution to <strong>remove metal impurities<\/strong>, descaling, separating inorganic contaminants, and removing rust from ferrous metals. It is also used in aluminum and copper production.<\/p>\n<p>Regarding <strong>leather treatment<\/strong>, it works as a substance to whiten and protect tanned leather. It prevents deterioration and rot caused by chromium and tannins in treated hides.<\/p>\n<p>A characteristic related to the <strong>textile industry<\/strong> is its use to remove metals from clothing and reduce the alkalinity of detergent, leaving fabrics clean and stain-free. Additionally, it is included in mixtures to enhance prints that require ironing.<\/p>\n<p>In the <strong>woodworking and carpentry industry<\/strong>, oxalic acid is used as a cleaner for old wood. It improves the appearance of planks, logs, and old boards, also serving as a degreaser to enhance paint adhesion. It is important to wash the wood after use to prevent deterioration.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Uses-of-oxalic-acid-in-beekeeping\">Uses of oxalic acid in beekeeping<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-98617 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mismumi.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/oxalic-acid-uses-beekeeping.jpg\" alt=\"Oxalic acid uses in beekeeping and varroa removal\" width=\"336\" height=\"280\" title=\"\"><\/p>\n<p>It is well known and widely applied in beehives as it effectively treats mites that attack these hymenopteran insects. <strong>Oxalic acid in beekeeping is used to<\/strong> control varroosis, a disease that reduces the number of colony members by destroying larvae and adult bees.<\/p>\n<p>It is also effective as a <strong>repellent for galleriosis<\/strong> or wax moths, although its primary use is to stop the spread of the <strong>varroa mite<\/strong>. However, there are some concerns about its use in beekeeping because it can penetrate honey, which is later sold for human consumption.<\/p>\n<p>The concerns arise because <strong>it has side effects on health<\/strong>. However, beekeepers who use it argue that natural honey already contains oxalic acid in varying concentrations depending on the type, with higher levels found in honey from almond trees (Prunus dulcis).<\/p>\n<p>Keep in mind that it does not kill varroa mites within the brood. It acts against the phoretic phase, affecting adult bees, making it effective in that case.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"To-remove-rust\">To remove rust<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>To achieve this, mix water with the powder you have purchased. This will trigger a chemical reaction that will remove the corroded parts, leaving the metal looking better, almost like new. To <strong>remove rust with oxalic acid<\/strong>, follow these steps:<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-98618 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mismumi.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/oxidized-metal.jpg\" alt=\"Rusty metal\" width=\"336\" height=\"280\" title=\"\"><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Scrub with water and soap to clean the metal.<\/li>\n<li>Prepare a dilution with 1 liter of water and 100 g of oxalic acid in a plastic bucket or basin.<\/li>\n<li>Submerge the rusty metal pieces.<\/li>\n<li>Let it sit for 2 to 3 hours, checking periodically.<\/li>\n<li>Remove the pieces from the bucket and rinse them under running water. It is important to rinse thoroughly. Scrub if necessary to remove any remaining rust.<\/li>\n<li>Dry everything well to prevent new oxidation.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Now you know how to use oxalic acid to remove rust from metal. To prevent further corrosion, it is essential to dry the surface properly and apply a layer of oil, petroleum jelly, or grease. Always wear gloves and use the <strong>appropriate protection indicated in the safety data sheet<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Relation-to-acetic-acid\">Relation to acetic acid<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-98619 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mismumi.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/acetic-oxalic.jpg\" alt=\"Acetic and oxalic acid\" width=\"336\" height=\"280\" title=\"\"><\/p>\n<p>Both are used as treatments to eliminate varroa mites in bees, although <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mismumi.com\/acido-acetico-anhidrido-glacial\/\">acetic anhydride<\/a> and also acetic acid in beekeeping are much more potent. Their effects are about 3000 times more effective, so they must be handled carefully due to their corrosive properties.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Oxalic-acid-formula-and-chemical-characteristics\">Oxalic acid formula and chemical characteristics<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>It is composed of two carbon atoms and acts as a chelating agent for certain minerals such as iron, magnesium, copper, and zinc, as well as calcium. The chemical formula of oxalic acid is:<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-98620 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mismumi.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/oxalic-acid-structure-formula.jpg\" alt=\"Oxalic acid formula and chemical structure\" width=\"336\" height=\"280\" title=\"\"><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Oxalic acid formula:<\/strong> H\u2082C\u2082O\u2084<\/li>\n<li><strong>Developed formula:<\/strong> HOOC-COOH<\/li>\n<li><strong>Other commercial names:<\/strong> ethanedioic acid<\/li>\n<li><strong>CAS number:<\/strong> 144-62-7(1)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Density:<\/strong> 1900 kg\/m\u00b3<\/li>\n<li><strong>Molar mass:<\/strong> 90.03 g\/mol<\/li>\n<li><strong>Melting point:<\/strong> 374.65 K or 102 \u00b0C<\/li>\n<li><strong>Boiling point:<\/strong> 638.15 K or 365 \u00b0C<\/li>\n<li><strong>pKa:<\/strong> 1.19<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>It is an organic acid naturally present in food without being added. Although it is not inherently harmful, it is recommended to limit the consumption of products containing it in certain conditions, such as kidney stones and other health issues. Let\u2019s look at which foods contain it.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Foods-containing-oxalic-acid\">Foods containing oxalic acid<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-98621 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mismumi.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/oxalic-acid-foods.jpg\" alt=\"Foods containing oxalic acid\" width=\"336\" height=\"280\" title=\"\"><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Honey<\/li>\n<li>Spinach<\/li>\n<li>Rhubarb<\/li>\n<li>Tea<\/li>\n<li>Beetroot<\/li>\n<li>Purslane<\/li>\n<li>Swiss chard<\/li>\n<li>Omb\u00fa<\/li>\n<li>Endive<\/li>\n<li>Cocoa<\/li>\n<li>Dandelion<\/li>\n<li>Walnuts<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>There are many <strong>foods that contain oxalic acid<\/strong>, so it is important to check their composition as well as the amount of oxalate\u2014the salt form of oxalic acid\u2014since <strong>excessive consumption can be harmful<\/strong>, especially for people prone to developing kidney stones.<\/p>\n<p>Individuals with kidney gravel should avoid consuming these foods, as oxalic acid and its salts are poorly soluble in water and tend to form stones that can block certain bodily ducts and cause discomfort when urinating. The recommendation from the Spanish Ministry of Health and the EU is to consume these foods in moderation in such cases, always in small doses of oxalic acid.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Toxicity\">Toxicity<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>When ingested through food, there is no issue of toxicity or danger. The concerns regarding oxalic acid toxicity are related to its handling as a chemical product, which include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Irritation of the respiratory tract due to inhalation, causing severe damage to the throat and nasal passages.<\/li>\n<li>Burns on the skin and subdermal tissue, penetrating the lower layers upon topical contact.<\/li>\n<li>Eye damage from splashes or exposure to vapors from sublimated acid.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>It is essential to always use the appropriate protective equipment when handling a corrosive chemical compound. The recommended safety measures include wearing gloves, protective goggles, and a mask for strong acids that release vapors. Always follow the safety data sheet that accompanies the product when handling it.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Production\">Production<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Although it is naturally present in food and vegetables, various laboratory procedures and chemical reactions are currently used to produce oxalic acid.<\/p>\n<p>When heating sodium formate (HCOONa) to 360 \u00b0C, <strong>sodium oxalate (NaOOC-COONa)<\/strong> begins to form. This reaction releases dihydrogen (H\u2082). The next step in obtaining it is to add lime slurry to precipitate calcium oxalate. This compound must then be reacted with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mismumi.com\/en\/sulfuric-acid\/\">sulfuric acid<\/a> (H\u2082SO\u2084) to finally produce ethanedioic acid.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Where-can-it-be-purchased\">Where can it be purchased?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>It is available in many specialized stores as well as beekeeping supply shops. You can buy oxalic acid in stores that sell chemical products, as they offer better prices than businesses specializing in wood treatment solutions and drugstores.<\/p>\n<\/p><aside class=\"ads\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script><!-- ah_fin_articulo --><ins class=\"adsbygoogle ah-fin-articulo\" style=\"display:inline-block\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-9582652217436894\" data-ad-slot=\"4055871191\"><\/ins><script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); <\/script><\/aside><aside class=\"ads-relacionado\"><center><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script><!-- mismumi_relacionado --><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block\" data-ad-format=\"autorelaxed\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-9582652217436894\" data-ad-slot=\"2966766890\"><\/ins><script>(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});<\/script><\/center><\/aside><div class=\"clear\"><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Oxalic acid is a derivative of Oxalis plants, although it can also be obtained through chemical reactions with other elements. It has uses in food, beekeeping, and as a product for removing rust. It&#46;&#46;&#46;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":98616,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mismumi.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6379"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mismumi.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mismumi.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mismumi.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mismumi.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6379"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.mismumi.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6379\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mismumi.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/98616"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mismumi.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6379"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}