2HCOOH

2HCOOH, also known as oxalic acid, is a white crystalline organic compound with the chemical formula C2H2O4. It is a dicarboxylic acid, meaning it contains two carboxyl groups. Oxalic acid is widely used in various industries due to its chelating properties, which allow it to form stable complexes with metal ions. This property makes it useful in metal finishing, water treatment, and as a bleaching agent. In the food industry, it is used as a preservative and as an acidulant in beverages. Oxalic acid is also found in nature, particularly in plants, where it serves as a natural defense mechanism against pests and pathogens. It is produced industrially through the oxidation of ethylene glycol or by the fermentation of certain bacteria. Oxalic acid is generally considered safe for use in food and pharmaceutical applications, but it can be harmful if ingested in large quantities, as it can cause gastrointestinal irritation and kidney damage.