Oxalate vs. Oxalic Acid — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on November 3, 2023
Oxalate is the anion form of oxalic acid. Oxalic acid is a simple dicarboxylic acid found in some foods, while oxalate is its salt or ester form.
Difference Between Oxalate and Oxalic Acid
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Chemical Nature: Oxalic acid is a naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid with the formula C2H2O4. It's found in various plants and vegetables. Oxalate, on the other hand, is the anion, salt, or ester of oxalic acid, and its formula is C2O4^2-.
Occurrence in Nature: Both oxalic acid and oxalate are present in the environment. Oxalic acid is common in many plants, particularly leafy greens. Oxalate salts can be found in various plants and can form crystals in the body, sometimes leading to medical concerns like kidney stones.
Applications & Uses: Oxalic acid is often utilized in cleaning, especially for the removal of rust. Oxalate salts, being derivatives of oxalic acid, are found in some detergents and can be used in certain laboratory processes.
Health Implications: Consuming large amounts of oxalic acid can be toxic. Its salts, the oxalates, when consumed in high quantities, can bind to calcium in the body, leading to the formation of crystals, which can be harmful if they accumulate.
Chemical Behavior: As an acid, oxalic acid donates protons in chemical reactions, while oxalate, being its anionic form, does not have this behavior but can bind to various cations, especially calcium, forming compounds like calcium oxalate.
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Comparison Chart
Chemical Structure
Anion form (C2O4^2-)
Dicarboxylic acid (C2H2O4)
Natural Occurrence
Found as salts in various plants
Present in many plants, especially leafy greens
Usage
In some detergents, lab processes
Cleaning agent, especially for rust removal
Health Impact
Can form crystals like kidney stones
Can be toxic if consumed in large amounts
Chemical Behavior
Binds to cations, e.g., calcium
Donates protons in reactions
Compare with Definitions
Oxalate
The anion form of oxalic acid.
Calcium oxalate crystals are commonly found in kidney stones.
Oxalic Acid
The parent compound of oxalates.
Oxalic acid forms oxalate when it loses two protons.
Oxalate
A compound with the formula C2O4^2-.
Researchers studied the properties of the oxalate ion in the lab.
Oxalic Acid
A compound with the formula C2H2O4.
The laboratory was stocked with pure oxalic acid for experiments.
Oxalate
A potential contributor to kidney stone formation.
Doctors advised him to reduce foods high in oxalate.
Oxalic Acid
A cleaning agent especially effective against rust.
He used oxalic acid to get rid of the rust stains on his tools.
Oxalate
A salt or ester of oxalic acid.
Oxalic Acid
A simple dicarboxylic acid found in nature.
Rhubarb leaves contain a significant amount of oxalic acid.
Oxalate
To treat (a specimen) with an oxalate or oxalic acid.
Oxalic Acid
A substance that can be toxic if consumed in large quantities.
Though found in certain foods, excessive intake of oxalic acid can be harmful.
Oxalate
(organic chemistry) Any salt or ester of oxalic acid.
Oxalate
To coat (steel, etc.) with an oxalate.
Oxalate
A salt of oxalic acid.
Oxalate
A salt or ester of oxalic acid
Oxalate
A naturally occurring substance in many plants.
Spinach is one of the vegetables rich in oxalate.
Common Curiosities
What's the difference in their chemical structures?
Oxalic acid has the formula C2H2O4, while oxalate is C2O4^2-.
Why are oxalates a concern in the diet?
They can bind to calcium and form crystals, potentially leading to kidney stones.
Can I consume oxalic acid safely?
While it's in some foods, excessive intake can be harmful.
What is the relationship between oxalate and oxalic acid?
Oxalate is the anion form of oxalic acid.
Can oxalic acid be found in foods?
Yes, it's found in foods like spinach, rhubarb, and beet greens.
Is oxalic acid used industrially?
Yes, it has applications in cleaning and other industrial processes.
How does oxalate affect health?
High dietary intake can lead to calcium oxalate crystal formation in the body.
Are there ways to reduce oxalate in foods?
Boiling can help reduce the oxalate content in some foods.
Is oxalic acid harmful?
In large quantities, it can be toxic when consumed.
Are oxalates present in all vegetables?
No, but they are found in significant amounts in certain vegetables like spinach.
Why is it advised to avoid high oxalate foods for kidney stone patients?
High oxalate can contribute to the formation of calcium oxalate kidney stones.
Can oxalic acid remove rust?
Yes, it's commonly used as a cleaning agent for rust removal.
How is oxalate formed from oxalic acid?
By the loss of two protons from oxalic acid.
Are oxalic acid and oxalate the same?
No, oxalic acid is the parent compound, while oxalate is its anion, salt, or ester form.
What's the significance of oxalic acid in plants?
It acts as a defense mechanism for some plants against herbivores.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
