Using oxalic acid as a primary standard

[danago]

Hi. Can oxalic acid be used as a primary standard to standardise a basic solution, such as sodium hydroxide?

I can't think of any reason why it couldn't be used, but i could very much be missing something.

 

[chemisttree]

It is available as a standard solution from Aldrich (Fixanal).

 

[.ultimate]

What is forumla of oxalic acid?

 

[Sourabh N]

formula of oxalic acid is HOOC-COOH (ethanedicarboxylic acid)

 

[danago]

Would it just be a standard acid base neutralization reaction, where the acid reacts with a base, such as NaOH, to form a salt, sodium oxalate, plus water. Id need to use an indicator such as phenolphthalein though, to indicate the end point of the titration.

 

[Sourabh N]

yes. I have done titration of oxalic acid with potassium permanganate (KMnO4;it is a self indicator)

 

[danago]

yes. I have done titration of oxalic acid with potassium permanganate (KMnO4;it is a self indicator)

yea so have i, but i was just wondering if it could be used as a primary standard with a basic solution, such as NaOH. I know it works with KMnO4

 

[Borek]

It works for alkalimetry as well. Just remember to dry it to be sure it is exactly dihydrate.

 

[danago]

ok that's the answer i was after :) Thanks