Sodium oxalate is a chemical compound that is often used in the textile and leather industries. The spelling of this word can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable, "sod", is pronounced with the short 'o' sound as in "odd" and the 'd' sound. The second syllable, "i", is pronounced with the long 'o' sound as in "boat". The third syllable, "um", is pronounced with the 'uhm' sound. The fourth syllable, "ox", is pronounced with the 'ahks' sound. The fifth syllable, "a", is pronounced with the short 'a' sound as in "cat". The final syllable, "late", is pronounced with the 'layt' sound.
Sodium oxalate is a chemical compound with the formula Na2C2O4. It is a white, odorless, and crystalline substance that is commonly also known as disodium oxalate. This compound is composed of sodium cations (Na+) and oxalate anions (C2O42-). Sodium oxalate is highly soluble in water, which means it readily dissolves in this solvent.
In terms of its physical properties, sodium oxalate forms crystals that belong to the monoclinic crystal system. It has a molar mass of approximately 133.999 g/mol. Sodium oxalate can be prepared through the reaction between sodium hydroxide and oxalic acid, which is a strong dicarboxylic acid.
Due to its versatile nature, sodium oxalate finds a wide range of applications in various industries. It is often used as a reducing agent in chemical reactions, acting to transfer electrons. Sodium oxalate is also utilized as a standard in analytical chemistry to determine the concentration of calcium ions in solutions. Additionally, it can serve as a primary standard in volumetric analysis.
It is important to note, however, that sodium oxalate can be toxic if ingested or inhaled, causing harm to various organs within the body. Therefore, it is crucial to handle sodium oxalate with caution, following appropriate safety procedures, such as wearing protective gear and conducting experiments in a well-ventilated area.
The word "sodium" originated from the Latin word "sodanum", which refers to a headache remedy made from sodium carbonate. The term "oxalate" is derived from the Greek word "oxalis", meaning "sorrel" (a type of plant), which contains oxalic acid. When combined, "sodium oxalate" refers to a compound composed of sodium and oxalic acid, typically represented by the chemical formula Na2C2O4.