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Method for Separating Clay From Oxalic Acid Dihydrate

Clay is a naturally occurred compound that primarily consists of aluminum silicate Al2(SiO3)3. Oxalic acid is the organic acid with the formula C2H2O4 and often presents in the clay minerals in the form of dihydrate crystals (C2H2O4 * 2H2O). The oxalic acid impacts the plasticity of the clay. Therefore, you may need to remove this acid from the clay to improve its plasticity. The efficient physical method of the separation is based on the fact that oxalic acid is soluble in water while clay is completely insoluble.

Things You'll Need

  • Beaker
  • Water
  • Spoon
  • Funnel
  • Coffee filter
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Instructions

    • 1

      Put the clay into a beaker.

    • 2

      Pour hot water into the beaker. The water level should be about an inch above the clay level.

    • 3

      Stir the solution in the beaker for three to five minutes with a spoon. During this process, oxalic acid will dissolve in the water.

    • 4

      Insert a coffee filter into a funnel, then pour the solution from the beaker through the funnel. The clay will remain in the filter while oxalic acid goes through the filter in the solution. Leave the filter with the wet clay to dry until the compound dries out to finish the separation.


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