The method of making glycolic acid
If you want to make glycolic acid at home, the method is not easy and you need to be careful.

First, prepare all materials and utensils. Oxalic acid, methanol, catalysts such as sulfuric acid, etc., also need flasks, condensers, thermometers, stirrers and other utensils.

Times, the steps of operation. In the flask, add oxalic acid and methanol in a suitable ratio. Usually, the molar ratio of oxalic acid to methanol is about 1:2. Next, slowly add an appropriate amount of catalyst sulfuric acid to promote the reaction.

Place the flask on the heating device and control the temperature with a thermometer. The reaction temperature often needs to be maintained between 60 and 80 degrees Celsius. When heated, continue to stir to make the reactants fully mixed and the reaction is uniform. This reaction is an esterification reaction, which will produce methyl glycolate and water.

After the reaction is completed, the product is separated by distillation. Because the boiling points of methyl glycolate and unreacted methanol and water are different, they can be separated by distillation. Collect a fraction suitable for the boiling point range, which is mostly methyl glycolate.

At the end, hydrolyze the obtained methyl glycolate to obtain glycolic acid. Add an appropriate amount of water and a catalyst, such as sodium hydroxide solution, to the methyl glycolate and heat and stir to promote its hydrolysis. After hydrolysis, neutralize the solution with acid, adjust it to a suitable pH value, and then evaporate and crystallize to obtain glycolic acid.

However, homemade glycolic acid is risky. Chemicals are corrosive and toxic, and improper operation can lead to accidents. If you don't have professional knowledge and experience, don't try it easily. And the preparation of glycolic acid or regulations involved should be clearly noted before travel.