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Preparation of Oxalic Acid from Cellulosic and Lignocellulosic Waste Materials

Israil Ahmed
Department of Applied Cheinistry and Chemical Technology, University of Dhaka. Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh.

A. M. Sarwar Uddin chowdhury
Department of Applied Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Dhaka. Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh.

AFSAR UDDIN AHMED
Department of Applied Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Dhaka. Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh.

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

Oxalic acid was prepared from cellulosic and lignocellulosic waste,materials like saw-dust. jute-stick and paddy-straw by alkali fusion method. The average percentage yields of the acid were 37.39. 32.33 and 28.33 from saw-dust, jute stick and paddy-straw. respectively. The availability in great abundance known mainly as rich cellulosic waste. paddy-straw in spite of Its lower yield of oxalic acid seemed potential and economically viable source as raw materials.

Keywords: Oxalic acid, Cellulosic, Lignocellulosic wastes

Location: All over Bangladesh

Start Date:

End Date:

Program Area: Socio-economic and Policy

Non-commodity: Performance

Objectives:

To compare the yield of oxalic acid from saw-dust and jute-stick with that of paddy-straw and subsequently to explore this, potential and economically viable source of raw materials for oxalic acid.

Methodology:

The method for the preparation of oxalic acid was followed as described. Each raw material i.e. saw-dust (dried) or jute-stick (dried) or paddy-straw (dried) powder was taken in a flat bottom iron pan. Three different amounts i.e. 5, 10 and 15 gm of each raw material were taken separately and allowed to fusion with 50% of 25, 30 and 40 gm sodium hydroxide in a ratio of 1:3. Then. after mixing the mixture well. it was heated for three hours at a constant temperature of about 200°C to 220°C. During heating. the depth of fusion materials in the iron pan was kept as shallow as possible. The temperature was controlled by dipping the iron pan into a bath of glycerine (b. p. 290°C). The temperature was adjusted by increasing or decreasing the flame of the burner placed below the bath of glycerine and was monitored by a submerged thermometer. Mter three hours of fusion, the fusion cake was leached with water to produce a solution of sodium oxalate which was evaporated till the crystals formed. These were then separated from the mother liquor, redissolved in water and the solution was then boiled with milk of lime. The calcium oxalate was thus formed as a cream coloured precipitate which was then separated and treated with sulfuric acid to produce oxalic acid as solution. The solution (i.e. filtrate) is then cooled, whereupon the oxalic acid crystallized and purified by recrystallization and was separated by conventional method. The acid formed was measured volummetrically with standard K.Mn04 solution before crystallization. The melting point of oxalic acid was tested and found 187°C (decamp.) which was verified. Different chemical tests i.e. test with AgN0₃ solution, concentrated H ₂S0₄, CaC1₂ solution and KMn0₄ solution (an assay method) were performed for confirmation.

Source of Information: Journal of the Asiatic Sociaty of Bangladesh Science 22(1): 33-38. 1996, ISSN 1016-6974

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

The results of preparation of oxalic acid from saw dust, jute-stick and paddy-straw by alkali fusion method. The amount of oxalic acid produced from 5, 10 and 15 gm of saw-dust were 1.8711, 3.7381 and 5.607 gm respectively and the average percentage yield of the acid was 37.39. In the same way the yields of the acid from jute-stick were 1.6166 and 4.856 gm with an average percentage yield of 32.33. Similarly, paddy-straw yielded 1.413, 2.8315 and 4.2613 gm of oxalic acid and average percentage yield was calculated as 28.33.It could be seen that the average percentage yield of oxalic acid was highest i.e. 37.39 from saw-dust. Paddy-straw yielded the lowest average percentage (28.33%) of oxalic acid and the intermediate yield (32.33%) was estimated in the case of jute-stick. From the experimental results it is seen that the yield of the acid from paddy-straw was low, yet its abundant availability could be encouraged to utilize it as raw material in the preparation of oxalic acid. It could also be seen that though the highest yield of oxalic acid was obtained from saw-dust and the intermediate from jute-stick, but these are not simply treated as wastes. These are being used in various industries such as hardboard, carboard, partex industries. etc. as raw materials. But, on the other hand the insignificant use of paddy-straw and its availability in this country could be utilized effectively in the preparation of this acid. The alkali solution which was left after filtration could be recovered by concentrating the discarded alkali mother liquor and could be reused in this procedure with fresh alkali solution (50%) which needs further work.

Knowledge Management: Journal