Ammonium Oxalate: Introduction, Molecular Weight, Properties, Formula, Uses

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 05:14 PM IST

In Chemistry, salt is always known by a substance which is made up of the reaction between acid and base. Ammonium oxalate is a colourless salt which is white in colour under the standard conditions and it is considered odourless and non-volatile. Ammonium oxalate is the ammonium salt of oxalic acid which can occur in many plants and vegetables.

This Story also Contains

Introduction
Ammonium Oxalate Formula
Molecular Weight Of Ammonium Oxalate
Properties of Ammonium Oxalate C_2H_8N_2O_4 .
Ammonium Oxalate Test
Uses of Ammonium Oxalate
Health Hazards Associated with Ammonium Oxalate

Introduction

Ammonium oxalate is mostly used as an analytical reagent and general reducing agent and other oxalates are used as anticoagulants and it is used to preserve blood outside the body. Acid ammonium oxalate can be acidified to pH 3 with oxalic acid which is commonly employed in soil and this chemical analysis to extract iron and aluminium from the poorly-crystalline miners like ferrihydrite, iron (II)-bearing minerals like such as organic matter.

Ammonium Oxalate is known for being an inorganic compound with the chemical. The al formula C2H8N2O4.

Another name for Ammonium Oxalate is diammonium oxalate or diammonium salt.

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

Under standard conditions, ammonium Oxalate is colourless to white salt, odourless and non-volatile and also mixes slowly with water. Which can occur naturally in many vegetables and plants.

Ammonium Oxalate Formula

The chemical formula for ammonium oxalate is given by NH_4OOCCOONH_4 and the molecular formula for Ammonium oxalate is given by C_2H_8N_2O_4 .

The ammonium oxalate name suggests that it will contain only 2 molecules of ammonia and only one molecule of oxalate.

Molecular Weight Of Ammonium Oxalate

The chemical formula of ammonium oxalate is given by C_2H_8N_2O_4 .

So, (12×2) + (1×8) + (14×2) + (16×4) =124.1

Therefore, the molecular weight of ammonium oxalate will be 124.1 g/mol.

Properties of Ammonium Oxalate C_2H_8N_2O_4 .

C_2H_8N_2O_4 . - Ammonium Oxalate
The Molecular Weight/ Molar Mass of Ammonium Oxalate is 124.1 g/mol
The density of Ammonium Oxalate is 1.5 g/cm3 at 65.3° F
Appearance Ammonium Oxalate is a White solid
The Melting Point (MP) of Ammonium Oxalate is 70°C
Ammonium Oxalate is considered as colourless crystalline solid under the standard conditions with a melting point i.e. M.P of 374.5K in hydrated form and 463K in an anhydrous form and also soluble in water and alcohol but insoluble in ether.

Ammonium Oxalate Test

Oxalic acid can be done by only using a method such as a permanganate titration and atomic absorption methods, etc. As ammonium oxalate mostly helps in preventing and inhibiting the coagulation of blood plasma; so, it can be used in blood tests to prevent blood coagulation and the lead or calcium ions which is present in the blood, as well as other analytes, can be measured by complexing the chemical with specific metals.

Uses of Ammonium Oxalate

Ammonium Oxalate is found in the body of vertebrates and is produced by ascorbic acid or glyoxylic acid metabolism.

Ammonium oxalate can exist as a mineral in the form of Oxammite.

Ammonium oxalate is also used as a reducing agent.
Ammonium oxalate is mostly used as an analytical reagent and to preserve blood outside the body, ammonium oxalate is used as an anticoagulant in these.

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Health Hazards Associated with Ammonium Oxalate

Ammonium oxalate dust upon ingestion and excessive inhalation can also cause systemic poisoning which is a hazard to our body.
When it is in contact with the eyes it can irritate.
And contact with the skin can irritate severe burns.
When contact with the skin can cause irritation and most importantly, the physician should be contacted if anyone develops any signs or symptoms in their body and suspects that they are caused by exposure to ammonium oxalate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is ammonium oxalate soluble in water?

Yes, ammonium acid is soluble in water because ammonium oxalate ionic compound is usually found as a monohydrate salt that is the reason for solubility in water.

2. What is the name of NH_4C_2O_4 ?

The name of NH_4C_2O_4 is ammonium oxalate.

3. Is ammonium oxalate an ionic compound?

Yes, ammonium oxalate is an ionic compound because it is an ammonium salt which consists of ammonium and oxalate ions with the ratio of 2:1.

4. What are the uses of ammonium oxalate?

Ammonium oxalate has many uses; it is used in blood tests where it helps to prevent or inhibit the coagulation of blood plasma and this compound can also be complexed with certain metals which quantify the Pd or Ca ions and this ions present in blood and other analytes.

5. What happens when ammonium oxalate is heated?

When ammonium oxalate is heated it decomposes on heating and burning which produces toxic and corrosive fumes which are harmful for our body and it includes ammonia and nitrogen oxides also.

6. What is the chemical formula for ammonium oxalate?

The chemical formula for ammonium oxalate is (NH4)2C2O4. This represents two ammonium ions (NH4+) combined with one oxalate ion (C2O4^2-).

7. How does ammonium oxalate compare to other ammonium salts in terms of nitrogen content?

Ammonium oxalate has a lower nitrogen content compared to many other ammonium salts. Its molecular formula (NH4)2C2O4 shows that it contains two nitrogen atoms per molecule, but it also contains a large oxalate ion, reducing its overall nitrogen percentage.

8. What is the crystal structure of ammonium oxalate?

Ammonium oxalate typically crystallizes in a monoclinic crystal system. The structure consists of layers of oxalate ions connected by hydrogen bonds to ammonium ions, forming a three-dimensional network.

9. How does ammonium oxalate contribute to the nitrogen cycle?

Ammonium oxalate can contribute to the nitrogen cycle primarily through its ammonium component. When applied to soil, the ammonium ions can be taken up directly by plants or converted to nitrate by nitrifying bacteria, thus entering the nitrogen cycle.

10. How does ammonium oxalate affect the hardness of water?

Ammonium oxalate can reduce water hardness by precipitating calcium and magnesium ions as their respective oxalates. This process is sometimes used in water treatment, although other methods are more common.

11. What is the role of ammonium oxalate in forensic science?

In forensic science, ammonium oxalate is used in blood detection tests. It can help preserve bloodstains by preventing coagulation, and it's also used in preparing samples for microscopic examination of blood cells.

12. What is the significance of ammonium oxalate in geochemistry?

In geochemistry, ammonium oxalate is used to extract and analyze certain minerals from soil and rock samples. It's particularly useful for studying amorphous and poorly crystalline iron and aluminum oxides in soils and sediments.

13. How does temperature affect the solubility of ammonium oxalate?

The solubility of ammonium oxalate increases with temperature. This is typical for most solid solutes in liquid solvents, as increased thermal energy allows more solute particles to overcome intermolecular forces and enter solution.

14. How does ammonium oxalate interact with proteins?

Ammonium oxalate can interact with proteins through several mechanisms. It can form hydrogen bonds with protein side chains, and the oxalate ion can coordinate with metal ions in metalloproteins. In high concentrations, it can denature proteins by disrupting their structure.

15. What safety precautions should be taken when handling ammonium oxalate?

When handling ammonium oxalate, wear protective gloves, eyewear, and clothing. Avoid inhalation of dust and ingestion. It can cause irritation to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. In case of contact, rinse with plenty of water and seek medical attention if irritation persists.

16. How does ammonium oxalate contribute to the formation of kidney stones?

While ammonium oxalate itself doesn't directly cause kidney stones, it's related to the process. Oxalate ions from the compound can combine with calcium in the body to form calcium oxalate, the most common component of kidney stones.

17. How does ammonium oxalate affect plant growth?

Ammonium oxalate can have both positive and negative effects on plant growth. It can serve as a source of nitrogen (from ammonium) for plants, but high concentrations of oxalate can be toxic, interfering with calcium uptake and metabolism.

18. What is the difference between ammonium oxalate and potassium oxalate?

The main difference is the cation: ammonium (NH4+) in ammonium oxalate versus potassium (K+) in potassium oxalate. Ammonium oxalate is generally more soluble in water and has a lower melting point. It also has different chemical behaviors due to the properties of the ammonium ion.

19. How does ammonium oxalate decompose when heated?

When heated, ammonium oxalate decomposes to form ammonia, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and water. The reaction is: (NH4)2C2O4 → 2NH3 + CO + CO2 + H2O. This decomposition occurs at temperatures above 70°C.

20. What is ammonium oxalate and why is it classified as a salt?

Ammonium oxalate is a chemical compound formed by the reaction between oxalic acid and ammonia. It's classified as a salt because it's the product of an acid-base reaction, consisting of ammonium cations (NH4+) and oxalate anions (C2O4^2-).

21. What is the relationship between ammonium oxalate and oxalic acid dihydrate?

Ammonium oxalate and oxalic acid dihydrate are closely related compounds. Oxalic acid dihydrate (H2C2O4 · 2H2O) is the parent acid of the oxalate ion in ammonium oxalate. Ammonium oxalate can be formed by neutralizing oxalic acid with ammonia.

22. How does ammonium oxalate compare to oxalic acid in terms of acidity?

Ammonium oxalate is less acidic than oxalic acid. While oxalic acid is a moderately strong diprotic acid, ammonium oxalate is nearly neutral. The oxalate ion in ammonium oxalate is the conjugate base of oxalic acid, making it much less prone to donate protons.

23. What is the role of ammonium oxalate in chemical education?

In chemical education, ammonium oxalate is often used in laboratory experiments to demonstrate concepts such as precipitation reactions, complex ion formation, and the properties of weak electrolytes. It's a relatively safe and versatile compound for student labs.

24. What is the significance of ammonium oxalate in plant pathology?

In plant pathology, ammonium oxalate is studied because some plant pathogens produce oxalic acid as a virulence factor. Understanding the behavior of oxalates, including ammonium oxalate, helps in developing strategies to combat these pathogens.

25. What is the molecular weight of ammonium oxalate and how is it calculated?

The molecular weight of ammonium oxalate is 124.1 g/mol. It's calculated by summing the atomic weights of its components: 2 x (14.0 + 4 x 1.0) for two ammonium ions, plus 2 x 12.0 + 4 x 16.0 for the oxalate ion.

26. How does the structure of ammonium oxalate relate to its properties?

Ammonium oxalate's structure consists of ammonium ions (NH4+) and oxalate ions (C2O4^2-) held together by ionic bonds. This ionic nature contributes to its high melting point, solubility in water, and ability to conduct electricity when dissolved.

27. Why is ammonium oxalate considered a weak electrolyte?

Ammonium oxalate is a weak electrolyte because it doesn't completely dissociate in water. Both the ammonium ion and oxalic acid are weak bases and acids respectively, leading to partial ionization in solution.

28. How does the solubility of ammonium oxalate compare to other oxalate salts?

Ammonium oxalate is more soluble in water compared to many other metal oxalates. This is due to the high solubility of ammonium salts in general and the relatively weak interaction between ammonium and oxalate ions.

29. How does ammonium oxalate behave in acidic solutions?

In acidic solutions, ammonium oxalate undergoes protonation. The oxalate ion accepts protons from the acid, forming oxalic acid. This reaction shifts the equilibrium and can lead to precipitation of oxalic acid if the solution becomes sufficiently acidic.

30. How does the presence of ammonium oxalate affect the pH of a solution?

Ammonium oxalate slightly increases the pH of a solution. The oxalate ion acts as a weak base, accepting protons from water, while the ammonium ion acts as a weak acid. The net effect is a slightly basic solution due to oxalate's stronger basicity.

31. What role does ammonium oxalate play in analytical chemistry?

In analytical chemistry, ammonium oxalate is used as a precipitating agent for calcium ions. It forms insoluble calcium oxalate, allowing for the separation and quantification of calcium in a sample.

32. How does ammonium oxalate interact with transition metal ions?

Ammonium oxalate can form complex ions with many transition metal ions. The oxalate ion acts as a bidentate ligand, coordinating to the metal through its two oxygen atoms. This property is used in various analytical and industrial applications.

33. What is the role of ammonium oxalate in photography?

In traditional photography, ammonium oxalate has been used in developers and fixers. It acts as a complexing agent for silver ions, helping to control the development process and improve image quality.

34. What is the significance of ammonium oxalate in environmental science?

In environmental science, ammonium oxalate is used to study soil properties. It's employed in extracting organically bound iron and aluminum from soils, helping to characterize soil composition and behavior.

35. What is the significance of ammonium oxalate in biochemistry?

In biochemistry, ammonium oxalate is relevant due to its relationship with oxalic acid, a common metabolic end product. It's used in studies related to calcium oxalate kidney stones and plant metabolism, where oxalate plays various roles.

36. What is the role of ammonium oxalate in metal surface treatment?

Ammonium oxalate is used in metal surface treatment processes, particularly for aluminum. It can form protective coatings on metal surfaces, improving corrosion resistance and preparing surfaces for further treatments like painting or bonding.

37. How does ammonium oxalate affect the growth of microorganisms?

Ammonium oxalate can have varied effects on microorganisms. Some bacteria can use it as a nitrogen source, while for others, it may be toxic. High concentrations can inhibit microbial growth by altering pH or interfering with metal ion availability.

38. What is the role of ammonium oxalate in textile industry?

In the textile industry, ammonium oxalate is used in dyeing and printing processes. It can act as a mordant, helping to fix dyes to fabrics. It's also used in some fabric treatments to improve properties like fire resistance.

39. What is the effect of ammonium oxalate on soil pH?

Ammonium oxalate generally has a minimal direct effect on soil pH. However, when used as a fertilizer, the ammonium ions can be converted to nitrate by soil bacteria, which can lead to soil acidification over time.

40. How does ammonium oxalate participate in complexation reactions?

Ammonium oxalate participates in complexation reactions through its oxalate ion. The oxalate ion is a bidentate ligand that can form stable complexes with many metal ions, particularly transition metals. This property is utilized in various analytical and industrial processes.

41. What is the role of ammonium oxalate in food science?

In food science, ammonium oxalate is sometimes used as a sequestering agent. It can bind metal ions, preventing them from catalyzing unwanted reactions or affecting food color and texture. However, its use is limited due to safety concerns.

42. How does ammonium oxalate affect the solubility of other salts?

Ammonium oxalate can affect the solubility of other salts through the common ion effect and by forming complexes. It can decrease the solubility of calcium salts by providing oxalate ions, but it may increase the solubility of some metal salts by forming soluble complex ions.

43. How does ammonium oxalate affect the mobility of heavy metals in soil?

Ammonium oxalate can increase the mobility of some heavy metals in soil by forming soluble complex ions. This property is used in soil science to study metal distribution but can also have implications for environmental contamination.

44. How does ammonium oxalate interact with calcium-containing minerals?

Ammonium oxalate reacts with calcium-containing minerals to form calcium oxalate, which is typically insoluble. This reaction is the basis for its use in analytical chemistry for calcium determination and can also occur in natural systems, affecting mineral weathering.

45. What is the significance of ammonium oxalate in industrial wastewater treatment?

In industrial wastewater treatment, ammonium oxalate can be used to remove heavy metals through precipitation or complexation. However, its use must be carefully controlled as excess oxalate in wastewater can cause environmental issues.

46. How does ammonium oxalate affect the crystallization of other compounds?

Ammonium oxalate can affect the crystallization of other compounds by acting as a nucleation site, altering solution properties, or through ion interactions. In some cases, it's used to control crystal growth in industrial crystallization processes.

47. What is the role of ammonium oxalate in corrosion science?

In corrosion science, ammonium oxalate is studied for its ability to form protective coatings on metal surfaces. It can react with metal ions to form insoluble oxalates, which can provide a barrier against further corrosion.

48. How does ammonium oxalate compare to EDTA as a chelating agent?

While both ammonium oxalate and EDTA are chelating agents, EDTA is generally a stronger and more versatile chelator. Ammonium oxalate forms bidentate complexes, while EDTA can form hexadentate complexes, making it more effective for many applications.

49. What is the significance of ammonium oxalate in the study of mineral weathering?

Ammonium oxalate is used in studying mineral weathering processes. It can extract amorphous and poorly crystalline minerals from soil and rock samples, helping geologists understand weathering rates and mechanisms.

50. How does ammonium oxalate affect the bioavailability of nutrients in soil?

Ammonium oxalate can affect nutrient bioavailability in soil in several ways. It can increase the solubility of some nutrients by forming complexes, but it may also reduce the availability of others (like calcium) by forming insoluble precipitates.

51. What is the role of ammonium oxalate in the production of rare earth elements?

In the production of rare earth elements, ammonium oxalate is sometimes used in the separation and purification processes. It can selectively precipitate rare earth oxalates, allowing for their separation from other elements.

52. How does ammonium oxalate contribute to the formation of scale in industrial equipment?

While ammonium oxalate itself is not a major scale-forming compound, its oxalate component can contribute to scale formation. In the presence of calcium ions, it can form calcium oxalate scale, which is a problem in some industrial processes.

53. What is the significance of ammonium oxalate in the study of metal-organic frameworks?

In the study of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), ammonium oxalate can serve as a precursor or template. The oxalate ion can act as an organic linker between metal centers, contributing to the formation of complex three-dimensional structures.

54. How does ammonium oxalate affect the properties of concrete?

Ammonium oxalate can affect concrete properties by reacting with calcium in cement paste. It can form calcium oxalate, which may alter the strength and durability of concrete. This reaction is sometimes used intentionally in concrete surface treatments.

55. What is the role of ammonium oxalate in the conservation of historical artifacts?

In art and artifact conservation, ammonium oxalate is used for cleaning and protecting stone surfaces. It can react with calcium in the stone to form a protective layer of calcium oxalate, helping to preserve the artifact from environmental damage.