Oxalic acid and the oxalates Flashcards Preview

Food ingredient structure and function > Oxalic acid and the oxalates > Flashcards

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