oxalic

Everyday

Oxalic acid: a poisonous acid found in small amounts in plants like rhubarb leaves, sorrel and spinach, also used for cleaning and bleaching. tree →

In the lessons

A science word: in lessons on safety and plants, children learn that rhubarb stalks are eaten but the leaves are poisonous because they contain a lot of oxalic acid. In chemistry it is used to remove rust and stains.

Examples

• Rhubarb leaves are poisonous because they have oxalic acid in them. tree →
• Spinach contains a little oxalic acid. tree →
• Oxalic acid can remove rust stains from wood. tree →
• Never eat rhubarb leaves, only the stalks. tree →
• The chemist warned that oxalic acid is harmful if swallowed. tree →
• Some kidney stones are made with oxalic acid. tree →

Note

Almost always in «oxalic acid». Pronounced «ox-AL-ik». Salts are called oxalates. Safety: rhubarb stalks are safe to cook, but never eat the leaves; keep cleaning chemicals away from food.