Oxalic acid
Synonyms & Trade Names
Ethanedioic acid, Oxalic acid (aqueous), Oxalic acid dihydratePhysical Description
Colorless, odorless powder or granular solid. [Note: The anhydrous form (COOH)2 is an odorless, white solid.]Molecular Weight
126.1Boiling Point
SublimesMelting Point
215°F (Sublimes)Solubility
14%Vapor Pressure
<0.001 mmHgIonization Potential
?Specific Gravity
1.90Flash Point
?Upper Exposive Limit
?Lower Explosive Limit
?Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Strong oxidizers, silver compounds, strong alkalis, chlorites [Note: Gives off water of crystallization at 215°F and begins to sublime.]Exposure Routes
inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contactSymptoms
irritation eyes, skin, mucous membrane; eye burns; localized pain, cyanosis; shock, collapse, convulsions; kidney damageTarget Organs
Eyes, skin, respiratory system, kidneysPersonal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)Skin:Prevent skin contact
Eyes:Prevent eye contact
Wash skin:When contaminated
Remove:When wet or contaminated
Change:Daily
Provide:Eyewash
First Aid
(See procedures)Eye:Irrigate immediately
Skin:Water flush promptly
Breathing:Respiratory support
Swallow:Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations
NIOSH/OSHA
Up to 25 mg/m3:
(APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode£
(APF = 25) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with a high-efficiency particulate filter.£
Up to 50 mg/m3:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator with an N100, R100, or P100 filter.
Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.
(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece
(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece
Up to 500 mg/m3:
(APF = 2000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus
Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator with an N100, R100, or P100 filter.
Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.
Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
- Page last reviewed:April 11, 2016
- Page last updated:April 11, 2016
- Content source:
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Education and Information Division