What makes a seemingly ordinary chemical compound play crucial roles across industrial, food, pharmaceutical, and other sectors? The answer lies in oxalic acid. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the current market status of oxalic acid, examining price trends, specifications, and diverse applications to serve as a reference for industry professionals.
Data from Tradeindia reveals significant price variations for oxalic acid, ranging from $400 per metric ton to ₹651 per unit. These price differences stem from multiple factors including purity levels, grades, packaging specifications, and supplier variations. Below is a breakdown of current pricing data (note that actual transaction prices may fluctuate due to market conditions):
- Low price range: Approximately ₹60 per kg (≈$0.72/kg) with a minimum order quantity (MOQ) of 1,000 kg
- Mid price range: Around ₹450 per kg (≈$5.4/kg)
- High price range: ₹651 per unit (500g plastic bottle packaging, equivalent to ₹1,302/kg or $15.6/kg)
- USD pricing: Approximately $400 per metric ton (≈$0.4/kg) with an MOQ of 23 metric tons
The substantial price disparities highlight the importance for buyers to carefully evaluate their specific requirements and budget constraints when selecting suppliers and products.
The technical parameters of oxalic acid directly influence its performance and suitability for various applications. Below is an in-depth analysis of key specifications:
- Anhydrous oxalic acid: C 2 H 2 O 4
- Dihydrate oxalic acid: HO 2 CCO 2 H·2H 2 O or C 2 H 2 O 4 ·2H 2 O
- Anhydrous: 90.034 g/mol
- Dihydrate: 126.065 g/mol
Common purity grades include 95% and 99%, with higher purity products being essential for pharmaceutical and food applications where impurity control is critical.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Crystalline or powdered form |
| Density | 1.90 g/cm 3 |
| Melting Point | Dihydrate: 98°C; Anhydrous: 189-191°C |
| Boiling Point | Sublimes before decomposing (≈157°C) |
| Solubility | 237 g/L in ethanol (15°C); 100% water soluble (some products) |
Oxalic acid requires storage in cool, dry places at room temperature, protected from direct sunlight. Proper storage conditions ensure product stability throughout its typical 3-year shelf life.
- CAS No.: 144-62-7 (oxalic acid); 6153-56-6 (dihydrate)
- HS Code: 29171110 (primary classification)
Oxalic acid serves diverse functions across multiple industries:
- Metal treatment: Surface cleaning, rust removal, polishing, and rare earth element extraction
- Textile industry: Mordant, bleaching agent, and dyeing auxiliary
- Leather processing: Tanning and bleaching operations
- Electronics: Cleaning and etching of electronic components
- Chemical synthesis: Production of oxalate salts and esters
- Food additive: Acidulant and preservative (with strict usage limits)
- Cleaning products: Component in detergents and descaling agents
- Agriculture: Fertilizer component for plant growth enhancement
- Pharmaceuticals: Intermediate in drug synthesis and analytical reagent
- Water treatment: Removal of metal ions from water
- Plastics and paints: Additive to modify material properties
When purchasing oxalic acid, buyers should:
- Clearly define purity, grade, and quantity requirements based on intended applications
- Select reputable suppliers with proper certifications and request quality documentation
- Compare total costs including transportation and taxes
- Conduct sample testing before bulk purchases
- Establish detailed contracts covering specifications, quality standards, and delivery terms
- Ensure proper storage and transportation conditions
As a fundamental chemical raw material, oxalic acid continues to demonstrate wide-ranging utility across industries. Technological advancements are expected to further expand its applications. For procurement professionals, understanding market dynamics, technical specifications, and application requirements is essential for optimizing production efficiency and cost management. Simultaneously, attention must be paid to safe handling practices and environmental considerations to ensure sustainable operations.