Oxalic acid[pronunciation?] is an organic compound with the formula H2C2O4. It is a colorless crystalline solid that, when dissolved in water, forms a colorless solution. It is classified as a dicarboxylic acid. In terms of acid strength, it is much stronger than acetic acid. Oxalic acid is a reducing agent and its conjugate base, known as oxalate (C2O42−), is a chelating agent for metal cations. Typically, oxalic acid occurs as the dihydrate with the formula H2C2O4·2H2O. Oral consumption of oxalic acid in excess or prolonged skin contact can be dangerous.