C4H4Na2O8
C4H4Na2O8, also known as sodium oxalate, is a chemical compound with the formula Na2C2O4. It is a white, crystalline powder that is soluble in water. Sodium oxalate is commonly used in various industrial applications, including as a chelating agent in water treatment to prevent the formation of limescale, and as a reducing agent in chemical synthesis. It is also used in the textile industry for bleaching and dyeing processes. In the medical field, sodium oxalate is used as a laxative and in the treatment of hypercalcemia, a condition characterized by elevated calcium levels in the blood. The compound is generally considered safe for use in these applications, but like any chemical, it should be handled with care to avoid skin and eye irritation. Sodium oxalate can be synthesized through the reaction of oxalic acid with sodium hydroxide, and it is stable under normal conditions.