Uses of Oxalic Acid In the chemical industry, oxalic acid is used to manufacture pentaerythritol, cobalt oxalate, nickel oxalate, basic fuchsin, complete reagent kits for steel and soil analysis, chemical reagents, and other products.In rapid dyeing processes, it acts as a color-developing and leveling agent.It serves as a bleaching agent for straw and wheat straw products (leveraging oxalic acid’s reducing properties) and as a rust stain remover (oxalic acid reacts with iron to form soluble iron oxalate, which is easily washed away with water, thus removing iron stains from fabrics).
Applications of Oxalic Acid in Textile Printing and Dyeing(1) Removing Rust Stains from FabricsWhen iron is exposed to oxygen and moisture in the air, it forms a complex compound called rust. While the exact composition varies by formation conditions, all rust contains trivalent iron ions. Rust stains on cotton fabrics form permanent defects that must be removed, and oxalic acid is an effective agent for eliminating them. The principle is that oxalic acid reacts with trivalent iron ions (Fe³⁺) to form a soluble anionic complex ion, [Fe(C₂O₄)₃]³⁻, which is easily dissolved in water. The typical usage is 20 g/L of oxalic acid with approximately 30 mL/L of 98% acetic acid.
Important Note: Oxalic acid can damage fibers. After treatment, cotton fabrics must be thoroughly rinsed with clean water to remove all residual oxalic acid. If not rinsed properly, dilute oxalic acid will concentrate during drying, causing severe fiber damage and creating holes.Oxalic acid can also remove rust stains from nylon fabrics, which would otherwise cause yellowing.(2) Eliminating Nitrous Acid Gas During Developing with Ingrain DyesWhen using the sodium nitrite method for direct printing with ingrain dyes alongside naphthol dyes, nitrous acid is generated during sulfuric acid developing. This causes the naphthol AS sodium salts on the fabric to form reddish-brown precipitates, resulting in uneven white grounds. To eliminate nitrous acid, 1–2 g/L of oxalic acid is sometimes added to the sulfuric acid developing solution as a reducing agent (replacing formic acid, urea, or sulfur). Oxalic acid reduces nitrous acid to nitrogen gas, preventing HNO₂ from reacting with AS to form brown compounds.
Zibo Anhao Chemical Co., Ltd. delivers high-quality Oxalic Acid (Ethanedioic Acid, CAS 144-62-7) tailored for industrial reliability and consistent performance. Our oxalic acid is available as white crystalline powder or colorless transparent crystals, featuring ≥99.6% purity, low moisture, and minimal impurities, ensuring dependable results across applications.Engineered for versatility, it excels in metal surface cleaning, textile dyeing and bleaching, leather tanning, rare earth extraction, and wastewater treatment. With strong reducing and chelating properties, it efficiently removes rust, scales, and stains while supporting precise chemical processing.Produced under strict quality control and certified with SGS, BV, and FAMI-QS, our oxalic acid meets global industrial standards. We offer flexible packaging—25kg bags, 50kg drums, and bulk IBCs—with stable supply and professional logistics to support worldwide partnerships.Contact us for bulk orders or technical specifications: info@anhaochemical.com
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