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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Oxalic Acid and Acetic Acid?

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Oxalic acid and acetic acid are both organic compounds with carboxylic acid functional groups, but they have some key differences:

  1. Dicarboxylic vs. Monocarboxylic: Oxalic acid is a dicarboxylic acid, with two carbonyl carbon centers, while acetic acid is a monocarboxylic acid, with one carbonyl carbon center.
  2. Formula: Oxalic acid has the chemical formula HOOC-C(=O)-COOH or (COOH)2 or (CO2H)2 or H2C2O4, while acetic acid has the chemical formula CH3COOH.
  3. Acid Strength: Oxalic acid has much greater acid strength than acetic acid.
  4. Chelating Agent: Oxalic acid is a chelating agent for metal cations, forming hydrogen oxalate (HC2O−4) and oxalate (C2O2−4).
  5. Natural Occurrence: Oxalic acid occurs naturally in many foods, while acetic acid is produced via fermentation of seeds, apple cider, potato mash, rice, etc..
  6. Conductivity: The dissociation constant value of oxalic acid is much higher than acetic acid, resulting in more ions in the solution and therefore higher conductivity.
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  • What is the Difference Between Oxalic Acid and Acetic Acid?
  • Comparative Table: Oxalic Acid vs Acetic Acid

    • Comparative Table: Oxalic Acid vs Acetic Acid

    Here is a table comparing the differences between oxalic acid and acetic acid:

    Property Oxalic Acid Acetic Acid
    Chemical Formula H2C2O4 CH3COOH
    Carboxylic Acid Type Dicarboxylic Monocarboxylic
    Number of Carbonyl Carbon Centers 2 1
    Production Method Oxidation of carbohydrates or glucose using nitric acid or air Fermentation of seeds such as apple cider, using potato mash, rice, etc.
    Uses Cleaning and bleaching purposes, reagent in extractive metallurgy, aluminum anodizing process Food preservative, flavoring agent, and in the production of other chemicals
    Solubility in Water Soluble Soluble
    Polymorphism Two polymorphic structures, one with a chain-like structure Not applicable

    Oxalic acid is a dicarboxylic acid with two carbonyl carbon centers, while acetic acid is a monocarboxylic acid with one carbonyl carbon center. Oxalic acid can be prepared from the oxidation of carbohydrates or glucose using nitric acid or air, whereas acetic acid can be produced through fermentation of various substances like apple cider, potato mash, and rice.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.