Sodium oxalate is a chemical compound made up of sodium and Oxalate ions. It is a white, crystalline powder that dissolves in water. People use it in various industries, such as photography and cleaning products. Just be careful, as it can be harmful if ingested in large amounts.

Sodium oxalate Molar Mass

To calculate the Molar Mass of Sodium Oxalate, we need to add up the atomic masses of each element in the compound. Here's the step-by-step process:

1. Find the atomic masses

• Sodium (Na) = 22.99 g/mol
• Carbon (C) = 12.01 g/mol
• Oxygen (O) = 16.00 g/mol

2. Determine the number of atoms

• Sodium oxalate's chemical formula is Na2C2O4.
• It contains two sodium atoms, two carbon atoms, and four oxygen atoms.

3. Calculate the molar mass

Molar mass = (2 x Na) + (2 x C) + (4 x O)

Molar mass = (2 x 22.99) + (2 x 12.01) + (4 x 16.00)

Molar mass = 45.98 + 24.02 + 64.00

Molar mass ≈ 134 g/mol

Why is Molar Mass Important?

Understanding molar mass is essential because it allows scientists to compare and measure substances accurately. It helps in performing chemical reactions and determining the amount of a substance needed for specific processes. Molar mass also plays a crucial role in stoichiometry, a branch of chemistry that deals with the quantitative relationships between reactants and products in chemical reactions.

Sodium oxalate Formula 

The chemical formula for sodium oxalate is Na2C2O4.

Properties of Sodium oxalate

1. Physical State

Sodium oxalate exists as a white, crystalline powder or granules. It is solid at room temperature.

2. Solubility

Sodium oxalate is soluble in water. When mixed with water, it dissolves to form a solution.

3. Molar Mass

The molar mass of sodium oxalate is approximately 134 grams per mole.

4. Toxicity

While small amounts of sodium oxalate are generally considered safe, larger quantities can be harmful if ingested. It is essential to handle it with care and avoid ingestion.

5. Applications

Sodium oxalate finds applications in various industries, including photography, as a reducing agent; in cleaning products, as a chelating agent to remove calcium and magnesium ions; and in some chemical processes.

6. Complexing Agent

Sodium oxalate acts as a complexing agent, meaning it can form stable complexes with metal ions, affecting their behavior in chemical reactions.

7. Decomposition

When heated, sodium oxalate decomposes to produce carbon dioxide and sodium carbonate.

8. pH 

In an aqueous solution, sodium oxalate can act as a weak acid, contributing to changes in pH levels.

It's important to note that sodium oxalate should be handled with proper safety precautions due to its toxic nature in larger amounts.