Ammonium oxalate

Description

Ammonium oxalate, C₂H₈N₂O₄ (some times written as (NH₄)₂C₂O₄), is an oxalate salt with ammonium (sometimes as a monohydrate). It is a constituent of some types of kidney stone. Found also in guano.

Chemical properties

Ammonium oxalate is an odorless, colorless crystalline material or powder.

The Uses of Ammonium oxalate

Ammonium oxalate is used as an analytical reagent and general reducing agent. It is commonly employed in soil chemical analysis to extract iron and aluminum from poorly-crystal line minerals.

Definition

ChEBI: An ammonium salt consisting of ammonium and oxalate ions in a 2:1 ratio.

Flammability and Explosibility

Not classified

Safety Profile

A poison. Can react violently with (NaOCl+ ammonium acetate). When heated to decomposition it SYNS: ETHANEDIOIC ACID DIAMMONIUN SALT 0 OXALIC ACID, DIAIMMONIUM SALT can emit toxic fumes of NH3 and NOx. See also OXALATES.

Potential Exposure

It is used in chemical analysis and to make blueprint paper, explosives; a rust-removal ingredient in metal polishes.

Shipping

UN2811 Toxic solids, organic, n.o.s., Hazard Class: 6.1; Labels: 6.1-Poisonous materials, Technical Name Required. UN1759 Corrosive solids, n.o.s., Hazard class: 8; Labels: 8-Corrosive material, Technical Name Required.

Incompatibilities

Ammonium oxalate is a reducing agent and also reacts as a base to neutralize acids and reacts with oxidizers generating carbon dioxide. Incompatible with oxidizers (chlorates, hypochlorite solutions, nitrates, peroxides, permanganates, perchlorates, chlorine, bromine, fluorine, etc.); contact may cause fires or explosions. Keep away from alkaline materials, strong bases, strong acids, oxoacids, epoxides.