Potassium oxalate

Synonyms

Dipotassium oxalate; Potassium neutral oxalate; Ethanedioic acid, dipotassium salt; Ethanedioic acid, potassium salt (1:2); Oxalic acid, dipotassium salt; [ChemIDplus]

Category

Organic Acids, Metal Salts

Description

Colorless odorless solid; Efflorescent in warm dry air; [Merck Index] White crystals or chunks; [Integra MSDS]

Sources/Uses

Used to bleach straw and to prevent in vitro blood coagulation; [Merck Index] Used in photography and to remove textile stains; [Hawley]

Comments

Occurs as the monohydrate; Poisonous; [Merck Index] Dust is irritating to eyes, nose, and throat; Inhalation may cause systemic poisoning; Ingestion may cause cardiovascular collapse and delayed neuromuscular symptoms; [CHRIS] Caused arrhythmias and shock in women at lowest lethal dose of 1000 mg/kg; [RTECS] May cause severe irritation or burns to skin; May cause burns or injury to eyes; A nose, throat, and respiratory tract irritant; Heavy inhalation exposure may cause coughing, difficulty breathing, and chest pains; Chronic overexposure may lead to kidney injury; Toxic by ingestion and inhalation; Targets kidneys and nervous system; [Integra MSDS]

Biomedical References

Skin burns

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Photographic Processing
• Textiles (Printing, Dyeing, or Finishing)