A newer method entails oxidative carbonylation of alcohols to give the diesters of oxalic acid 4 ROH 4 CO O2 2 (CO2R)2 2 H2OThese diesters are subsequently hydrolyzed to oxalic acid.

Lawsone reacts chemically with the protein known as keratin in skin and hair, in a process known as Michael addition, resulting in a strong permanent stain that lasts until the skin or hair is shed.