What is diethyl oxalate and what are its uses?

Diethyl oxalate (C6H10O4) is also known as diethyl oxalate, ethanedioic acid and diethyl ethanedioate. It is a white solid compound synthesised from carbon monoxide and ethanol. It is slightly denser than water and insoluble in water. Diethyl oxalate is available in powder and liquid forms. It is a colourless toxic compound with a characteristic odour. It has important applications in various end-user industries such as pharmaceuticals, agriculture and cosmetics. The compound is mainly used as a raw material or intermediate in the manufacture of phenobarbital and a variety of dyes; it is also used as a solvent in natural and synthetic resins as well as in nitrocellulose lacquers and various chemical synthesis processes. Further, it is used as a chemical intermediate in the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients. Diethyl oxalate is also used as a cost-effective additive in dye-sensitised solar cells.


Diethyl oxalate is used in the production of agrochemicals such as pesticides, fungicides and herbicides. The development of agricultural practices has led to an increase in the production of agrochemicals, which is driving the expansion of the diethyl oxalate market. Explosive population growth leading to increased demand for food, continuous advancement in agricultural technology, limited arable land, advancement in plant breeding and management expertise are the factors leading to increased use of agrochemicals.

Mainly used in the pharmaceutical industry, It is an intermediate of Phenobarbital, Azathioprine, Sulfadimoxine, Sulfamethoxazole, Carboxyphenyl Penicillin, Eepoxicillin, Chloroquine lactate, Thiabendazole and so on. Also used as a solvent for Cellulose esters and Spices; as acetylene extractant and raw materials for dyes, medicines, perfumes, etc.

HEBEI XINJI CHEMICAL GROUP CO.,LTD is one of the established players in the Chinese diethyl oxalate market. Our products are of good quality and low price. If you are interested in our products or want to know more information, please contact us！