Oxalic acid, also known as oxalate or ethanedioic acid, belongs to dicarboxylic acids and derivatives class of compounds. Those are organic compounds containing exactly two carboxylic acid groups. Oxalic acid is soluble (in water) and a moderately acidic compound (based on its pKa). Oxalic acid can be found in a number of food items such as grape, sacred lotus, orange mint, and date, which makes oxalic acid a potential biomarker for the consumption of these food products. Oxalic acid can be found primarily in blood, saliva, sweat, and urine, as well as throughout most human tissues. Oxalic acid exists in all living organisms, ranging from bacteria to humans. Moreover, oxalic acid is found to be associated with fumarase deficiency, glycolic aciduria, hemodialysis, and primary hyperoxaluria I. Oxalic acid is a non-carcinogenic (not listed by IARC) potentially toxic compound. Oxalic acids acid strength is much greater than that of acetic acid. Oxalic acid is a reducing agent and its conjugate base, known as oxalate (C 2O2− 4), is a chelating agent for metal cations. Typically, oxalic acid occurs as the dihydrate with the formula C2H2O4·2H2O . Acute Exposure: If oxalic acid is swallowed, immediately give the person water or milk, unless instructed otherwise by a health care provider. DO NOT give water or milk if the person is having symptoms (such as vomiting, convulsions, or a decreased level of alertness) that make it hard to swallow. If acute exposure occurs to the eyes, irrigate opened eyes for several minutes under running water.
Belongs to the class of organic compounds known as dicarboxylic acids and derivatives. These are organic compounds containing exactly two carboxylic acid groups.
