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Calcium oxalate is an important chemical salt used in a wide range of applications in chemistry and industry. As an expert in chemical products, I would like to provide you with a comprehensive overview of this fascinating molecule in this blog post.

What is Calcium Oxalate?

Calcium oxalate, with the chemical formula CaC2O4, is a crystalline salt composed of calcium ions (Ca2+) and oxalate ions (C2O42-). It occurs naturally in many plants and animals and plays an important role in biological systems.

In nature, calcium oxalate can be found, for example, in the leaves, fruits, and seeds of many plants. There, it serves as a defense mechanism against predators and pathogens. It can also occur in the human body in the form of kidney stones, which is medically relevant.

Chemical Properties of Calcium Oxalate

Calcium oxalate is a white, crystalline powder that is practically insoluble in water. It has high thermal stability and decomposes only at temperatures above 500°C. Furthermore, it is resistant to most acids and bases.

These unique chemical properties make calcium oxalate a versatile material in industry. Some important applications are:

Use as a Filler

Due to its insolubility and purity, calcium oxalate is often used as a filler in paints, coatings, plastics, and adhesives. It improves the mechanical properties and reduces the cost of these materials.

Application in the Paper Industry

In paper manufacturing, calcium oxalate serves as a filler and coating agent. It increases the opacity, stiffness, and smoothness of the paper.

Use as a Humectant

Due to its hygroscopic properties, calcium oxalate is used as a humectant in foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products. It prevents drying out and improves shelf life.

Role in Ceramic Production

In the ceramics industry, calcium oxalate is used as an additive to optimize the strength, porosity, and coloration of ceramic products.

Use in Medicine

Medically, calcium oxalate is used in the treatment of hyperoxaluria, a metabolic disorder that can lead to kidney stone formation. It is also used in dentistry as a component of oral care products.

Production of Calcium Oxalate

Calcium oxalate can be produced in various ways. The most common methods are:

Precipitation from Solutions

By mixing calcium-containing solutions (e.g., calcium chloride) with oxalate-containing solutions (e.g., sodium oxalate), calcium oxalate can be precipitated as a solid.

Reaction of Calcium Compounds with Oxalic Acid

Calcium-containing raw materials such as limestone or chalk can be reacted with oxalic acid to form calcium oxalate.

Biotechnological Production

Some microorganisms are capable of producing calcium oxalate as a byproduct of their metabolic processes. Through targeted fermentation, calcium oxalate can be produced via biotechnological means.

The exact production processes depend on the desired purity level and application requirements. Modern production facilities ensure that calcium oxalate can be produced reliably and with high quality.

Safety Aspects in Handling

Although calcium oxalate itself is not hazardous to health, some safety aspects must be observed during handling:

• Avoid dust formation, as calcium oxalate dust can irritate the respiratory tract.
• Avoid contact with eyes and skin, as it can cause irritation.
• If swallowed, it may cause gastrointestinal discomfort.
• Calcium oxalate is not flammable, but it can decompose when heated above 500°C, potentially releasing toxic gases.

However, by adhering to basic occupational safety measures such as using protective equipment, ensuring good ventilation, and careful handling, these risks can be well managed.

Conclusion

Calcium oxalate is a versatile chemical salt with numerous applications in chemistry and industry. Its unique properties such as insolubility, stability, and purity make it a valuable raw material. From paper manufacturing to medicine – calcium oxalate is indispensable in many modern products.

As an expert in chemical products at ChemMarkt.de, I am happy to assist you with any further questions regarding calcium oxalate and our entire product range. Do not hesitate to contact us!