Characteristic

 

Sodium oxalate, or disodium oxalate, is the sodium salt of oxalic acid with the formula Na₂C₂O₄. It is a white, crystalline, odorless solid, that decomposes above 290 °C.

Chemical formula:Na₂C₂O₄

Molar mass:133.999 g/mol

Density:2.34 g/cm³

Melting point:260 °C (500 °F; 533 K) decomposes above 290 °C

Solubility in water:2.69 g/100 mL (0 °C);3.7 g/100 mL (20 °C);6.25 g/100 mL (100 °C)

Solubility:soluble in formic acid;insoluble in alcohol, ether

Crystal structure:monoclinic

 

Application

 

Sodium oxalate is used as a reducing agent, as a primary standard for standardizing potassium permanganate solutions and as a neutralizer for exothermic acidic reactions. It finds application in metal cleaning preparations, metal extraction and separation, blueprint coatings, electroplating baths, special cement manufacturing, plant nutrition as well as in textile and pharmaceutical industries. It plays an important role to remove calcium ions from blood plasma and prevents blood clotting.