Which acid is commonly used as a rust remover in formulated products?

Oxalic acid is commonly used as a rust remover in formulated products due to its effective chelating properties, which allow it to bind to iron in rust, facilitating its removal from surfaces. When oxalic acid comes into contact with rust (iron oxide), it reacts with the iron ions, forming soluble complexes that can be washed away with water. This makes it particularly useful in cleaning applications where rust stains are present, such as on metal surfaces and even in certain cleaning solutions for fabrics and carpets that might be stained by rust.

Additionally, oxalic acid is favored for its effectiveness at lower concentrations compared to other acids, allowing for efficient rust removal without the excessive acidity that could damage some surfaces. This makes it a popular choice in various cleaning products specifically formulated to tackle rust stains.

While other acids listed can also remove rust, they are not as commonly utilized in the same manner as oxalic acid for this specific purpose.