Ammonium Oxalate - C2H8N2O4

What is Ammonium Oxalate (C2H8N2O4)?

Ammonium Oxalate is an inorganic compound with chemical formula C2H8N2O4. It is also called as diammonium oxalate or diammonium salt.

Ammonium Oxalate is an oxalate salt with ammonium. Ammonium Oxalate is a strong dicarboxylic acid. This compound consists of ammonium ions and oxalate ions in a ratio of 2:1.

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Under standard conditions, it is a colourless to white salt. It is odourless and non-volatile in nature. It mixes slowly with water. It occurs naturally in many vegetables and plants.

Structure of Ammonium Oxalate – C2H8N2O4

Structure of Ammonium Oxalate

Structure of Ammonium Oxalate

Properties of Ammonium Oxalate – C2H8N2O4

C2H8N2O4 Ammonium Oxalate
Molecular Weight/ Molar Mass 124.1 g/mol
Density 1.5 g/cm3 at 65.3° F
Appearance White solid
Melting Point 70°C

It is a colourless crystalline solid under standard conditions (as shown below) with a melting point of 374.5K in hydrated form and 463K in anhydrous form. It is soluble in water and alcohol but insoluble in ether.

Ammonium Oxalate

Uses of Ammonium Oxalate

  • It is found in the body of vertebrates which is produced by metabolism of ascorbic acid or glyoxylic acid.
  • Ammonium oxalate exists in mineral form as Oxammite.
  • It is used as a reducing agent.
  • It is used as an analytical reagent.
  • To preserve blood outside the body, it is used as an anticoagulant.

Health Hazards Associated with Ammonium Oxalate

  • Ammonium oxalate dust upon ingestion or excessive inhalation causes systemic poisoning.
  • Contact with eyes causes irritation. Contact with skin causes irritation of severe burns.
  • Absorbed through skin. Contact with skin causes irritation and a physician should be contacted if anyone develops any signs or symptoms and suspects that they are caused by exposure to ammonium oxalate.

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Other important links:

Ammonia molecule Oxalic acid


Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

Q1

What are the uses of ammonium oxalate?

Ammonium oxalate is used in blood tests where it helps prevent or inhibit the coagulation of blood plasma. This compound can also be complexed with certain metals to quantify the lead or calcium ions present in blood and other analytes.
Q2

Is ammonium oxalate acidic or basic?

Ammonium oxalate is usually acidic in nature. The acidity depends on the amount of oxalic acid present. Acid ammonium oxalate, which can be prepared by acidifying ammonium oxalate to pH 3 with oxalic acid, can be used for the chemical analysis of soil. It can also be used to extract aluminium and iron from some poorly crystalline substances.
Q3

Is ammonium oxalate ionic or covalent?

Ammonium oxalate molecules feature an ionic bond between the ammonium cation and the oxalate anion. Thus, ammonium oxalate is an ionic compound. Furthermore, this compound is made up of two polyatomic ions. The ammonium cation is a polyatomic ion made up of hydrogen and nitrogen. The oxalate anion is also a polyatomic ion which is made up of oxygen and carbon atoms.
Q4

How can ammonium oxalate be prepared?

The preparation of ammonium oxalate usually involves the reaction between oxalic acid and ammonium carbonate in an aqueous environment. To prepare ammonium oxalate, 100 grams of oxalic acid can be dissolved in 800 millilitres of water and then neutralized with approximately 83 grams of ammonium carbonate (the solution can be gently warmed before the neutralization).
Q5

Is ammonium oxalate soluble in water?

Yes, ammonium acid (like most ionic salts) is soluble in water. In fact, this ionic compound is usually found as a monohydrate salt.
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