IPCS INCHEM Home
OXALIC ACID
ICSC: 0529
Peer-Review Status: 24.11.2009 Validated
Ethanedioic acid 
CAS #: 144-62-7 RTECS #: RO2450000
UN #: 3261
EC #: 607-006-00-8
EINECS #: 205-634-3
 		    Formula: C2H2O4 / (COOH)2
Molecular mass: 90.0

TYPES OF
HAZARD /
EXPOSURE 		ACUTE HAZARDS / SYMPTOMS      PREVENTION      FIRST AID / FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE Combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.  NO open flames.  Use water spray, powder, foam, carbon dioxide. 
EXPLOSION     In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water. 
 
EXPOSURE   PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST!   
Inhalation Cough. Sore throat. Burning sensation. Shortness of breath. Laboured breathing. Headache.  Use ventilation (not if powder), local exhaust or breathing protection.  Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Refer immediately for medical attention. 
Skin Redness. Pain. Skin burns.  Protective gloves. Protective clothing.  Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower for at least 15 minutes. Refer for medical attention . 
Eyes Redness. Pain. Blurred vision. Burns.  Wear face shield or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.  Rinse with plenty of water (remove contact lenses if easily possible). Refer immediately for medical attention. 
Ingestion Sore throat. Burning sensation. Abdominal pain. Laboured breathing. Convulsions. Paralysis. Cardiac dysrhythmia. Shock or collapse.  Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.  Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Refer immediately for medical attention. 

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL
 		PACKAGING & LABELLING
Personal protection: particulate filter respirator adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance, protective gloves and safety goggles. Sweep spilled substance into covered plastic containers. If appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Wash away remainder with plenty of water.  Do not transport with food and feedstuffs. 
EC Classification
Symbol: Xn; R: 21/22; S: (2)-24/25 
UN Classification
UN Hazard Class: 8; UN Pack Group: III 
GHS Classification
Signal: Danger
Harmful if swallowed
Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
May cause respiratory irritation 
correxcl mark;warn

EMERGENCY RESPONSE SAFE STORAGE
NFPA Code: H3; F1; R0.  Separated from strong oxidants and food and feedstuffs. Dry. Well closed. 

IMPORTANT DATA
Physical State; Appearance
HYGROSCOPIC COLOURLESS CRYSTALS OR WHITE POWDER. 

Physical dangers
No data. 

Chemical dangers
Decomposes on contact with hot surfaces or flames. This produces formic acid and carbon monoxide. The solution in water is a medium strong acid. Reacts violently with strong oxidants. This generates fire and explosion hazard. Reacts with some silver compounds. This produces explosive silver oxalate. Attacks some forms of plastic. 

Occupational exposure limits
TLV: 1mg/m³ as TWA; (ACGIH 2009).
EU OEL ( selected): 1mg/m³ as TWA;. 

Routes of exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol and by ingestion. Serious local effects by all routes of exposure. 

Inhalation risk
Evaporation at 20°C is negligible; a harmful concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly when dispersed. 

Effects of short-term exposure
The substance is corrosive to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Corrosive on ingestion. The substance may cause effects on the calcium balance after ingestion. Exposure at high levels could cause death. 

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure
Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis. Exposure may result in kidney stones, slow-healing ulcers and black finger nails. 


PHYSICAL PROPERTIES ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
Decomposes: see Notes.
Melting point: 189.5°C
Density (at °C): 1.9 g/cm³
Solubility in water, g/100ml at 20°C: 9-10 (moderate)
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: -0.81   		 

NOTES
Oxalic acid may sublime at temperatures >100 °C at reduced pressure. Optimal sublimation temperature is 157 °C. At higher temperatures it partly decomposes.
Specific treatment is necessary in case of poisoning with this substance; the appropriate means with instructions must be available.
Some producers do not classify this substance under UN 3261. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 

IPCS
International
Programme on
Chemical Safety 		WHO ILO EC Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety and the European Commission
© IPCS 2004-2012
LEGAL NOTICE Neither the EC nor the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the EC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. 
    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations