Flashcards in Oxalic acid and the oxalates Deck (4)
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1
Q
What is oxalic acid and where is if found?
A
- Naturally occuring acid molecule found in plants
- Simple organic molecules
- Sometimes can cause bad health effects
- Rubarb has high levels in the leaves
- Small amounts found in spinach, kiwi and corriander
2
Q
Structure on the oxalic molecule?
A
- C2H2O4
- Similar to lactic and acetic acid
- Small
- Is diprotic (can ionise twice). Therefor is a relativly stong acid
- Causes a sour taste
3
Q
Nutritional effect of oxalates in humans?
A
- Can make calcium unavailable by formation of insoluable salts. In our bodies, kidney stones
4
Q
Oxalates solubility on water
A
- There are different oxalates and they vairy in solubility
some examples are: oxalic acid, Ca oxalate (insoluble), Mg oxalate, K oxalate (most soluble) and Na oxalate
