Calcium Oxalate Trihydrate is a chemical compound that consists of calcium cations (Ca2+), oxalate anions (C2O4^2-), and water molecules (H2O). It is commonly found in the form of colorless, transparent crystals or white crystalline powder.
In terms of its chemical structure, one calcium cation is bound to two oxalate anions and three water molecules, resulting in the formula CaC2O4·3H2O. The numerical coefficient "3" in the formula indicates that the compound contains three water molecules, which are considered as coordinated water molecules or water of crystallization.
Calcium Oxalate Trihydrate is sparingly soluble in water, but it readily dissolves in acids. It is considerably insoluble in most organic solvents. This compound is hygroscopic, meaning it has the tendency to absorb moisture from the surrounding atmosphere.
In nature, Calcium Oxalate Trihydrate can be found in various forms, including kidney stones, urinary calculi, and plant crystals. It is also a common component of certain plants, where its presence can be observed as tiny needle-like crystals known as raphides. These raphides are often found in specialized cells called idioblasts, usually in plant tissues like leaves, stems, and roots.
Overall, Calcium Oxalate Trihydrate is a significant compound due to its medical and biological relevance. It is studied in fields such as chemistry, biology, medicine, and geology due to its occurrence and different applications in natural systems.
