[Chemistry Class Notes] on Ammonium Oxalate Pdf for Exam

Ammonium oxalate, having the chemical formula C₂H₈N₂O₄, is an inorganic compound. It can also be called diammonium salt or diammonium oxalate. It is an oxalate salt that consists of ammonium and makes for a strong dicarboxylic acid. It contains ammonium and oxalate ions in the ratio of 2:1. Ammonium oxalate is a colourless to white crystalline solid under standard condition. It does not have any odour and is non-volatile by nature.

Ammonium oxalate tends to mix slowly with water and has its presence in several plants and vegetables. It is used in the form of a general reducing agent and as an analytical reagent. Ammonium oxalate, along with several oxalates, is used in the form of anticoagulants for preserving blood outside of the body.

Today, in this article, we will discuss what is ammonium oxalate C₂H₈N₂O₄, what are the different properties of ammonium oxalate C₂H₈N₂O₄, and the uses of ammonium oxalate. Let us first learn about the formula and structure of ammonium oxalate.

Ammonium Oxalate Formula

Ammonium oxalate is also called diammonium ethanedioate, which is an oxalic acid salt having ammonium. It is a common salt which is used in the analysis for determining the metal concentrations.

The chemical formula of ammonium oxalate is denoted by (NH₄)₂2C₂O₄ or NH₄OOCCOONH₄.

The molecular formula of ammonium oxalate is C₂H₈N₂O₄.

The oxalate ion (C₂O₄)^2- gets formed from oxalic acid via the dissociation of two acidic hydrogens which forms an anion. Two ammonium ions (NH₄)⁺ are present in the molecules in the form of cations, wherein one ammonium substitutes every hydrogen that is lost.

Let us now learn about the chemical structure of ammonium oxalate.

Structure of C₂H₈N₂O₄

The structure of ammonium oxalate is given below:

Ammonium Oxalate Occurrence

Let us now discuss where ammonium oxalate is present.

Ammonium oxalate is found in many different types of kidney stones. It is also found in guano which is known to be an accumulation of seals, seabirds and/or bat. The mixture is rich in nitrogen since the higher concentration of ammonium oxalate along with urate can be used as fungicide and fertilizer for plants.

The properties of ammonium oxalate are as follows:

Properties of C₂H₈N₂O₄

Ammonium oxalate is a colourless solid crystal under the standard conditions and has a melting point of 374.5K in the hydrated form and anhydrous form is 463K. It is soluble in both water and alcohol but not in ether. Take a look at the picture given below which shows the white solid crystals of ammonium oxalate.

Uses of Ammonium Oxalate

Let us now discuss the ammonium oxalate uses. Ammonium oxalate is used in the following ways.

1. Ammonium oxalate is found in vertebrates and is produced by the metabolism of either glycolic acid or ascorbic acid.

2. It exists in the mineral form as oxammite.

3. It acts as an analytical reagent.

4. It also acts as a reducing agent.

5. It is used in preserving blood outside the body in the form of an anticoagulant.