Kaliumoksalaattia

Kaliumoksalaatti is the potassium salt of oxalic acid. Its chemical formula is K2C2O4. It is a white crystalline solid that is soluble in water. In its anhydrous form, it is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air.

Kaliumoksalaatti occurs naturally in several plants, including rhubarb and spinach, where it contributes to their tartness and can bind with calcium, potentially affecting calcium bioavailability. In its purified form, it is used in various applications. It can be employed as a cleaning agent, particularly for removing rust stains and in wood bleaching. It also finds use in analytical chemistry as a precipitating agent for calcium ions.

Industrially, kaliumoksalaatti can be produced by reacting potassium carbonate or potassium hydroxide with oxalic acid. The reaction is a straightforward acid-base neutralization. Care must be taken when handling kaliumoksalaatti, as oxalic acid and its salts are toxic if ingested. They can interfere with calcium metabolism and potentially lead to kidney stones. Proper safety precautions, including wearing gloves and avoiding inhalation of dust, are recommended when working with this compound.