How Does Molasses Remove Rust?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the effectiveness of molasses as a rust removal agent, exploring the chemical properties of molasses and its potential applications in rust removal. Participants examine the claims surrounding this method and its comparative efficacy to other substances.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Debate/contested, Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the effectiveness of molasses in removing rust, suggesting that cola sodas with low pH might be more relevant.
  • Another participant notes the presence of oxalate in molasses, indicating that oxalic acid is known to remove rust.
  • Some participants mention anecdotal evidence from online sources promoting the use of molasses for rust removal, though they express uncertainty about its effectiveness and the time required for the process.
  • A participant references a previous thread on the same topic, implying a need for clarity on the differences between discussions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the effectiveness of molasses for rust removal, with multiple viewpoints and uncertainties expressed regarding its efficacy and comparison to other methods.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include a lack of empirical evidence presented in the discussion, dependence on anecdotal claims, and unresolved questions about the chemical mechanisms involved in rust removal by molasses.

kokolyia
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How does molasses remove rust?
 
Chemistry news on Phys.org
Doug Huffman said:
Does it? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Molasses#Chemical

Are you mis-remembering cola sodas with extremely low pH ~2?
If you google "molasses and rust", you'll find a minor cottage industry of people promoting molasses to remove rust.

I haven't researched how effective this process is, but it is very slow, taking anywhere from several days to several weeks, depending on how much rust needs to be removed.
 
The chemicals listed in molasses include oxalate - ethanedioate. Oxalic acid is used to remove rust.

How else would one measure efficacy of a process? The internet, particularly as represented by G00gle, is like Alice's Restaurant, where you can get anything you want, 'ceptin' Alice - and the truth.
 

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