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Oxalate Formula – Structure, Properties, Uses, Sample Questions

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Carbon is a chemical element with the symbol C. Its atomic number is 6 and its electronic configuration is 1s2 2s2 2p2. It belongs to the 14th group of the periodic table. It is one of the fundamental nonmetallic elements. It is the chemical backbone of all life on earth.  Carbon is the ability to readily form bonds with other atoms. It is used for fuel in the form of coal, methane gas, and crude oil. The carbon allotropes are graphite, diamond, and Fullerene.

Oxygen is a chemical element with the symbol O. Its atomic number is 8 and its electronic configuration is 1s2 2s2 2p6. It is the most abundant element found on the earth. It is a member of the chalcogen group on the periodic table. It plays a critical role in respiration. It is used for burning fuels. Oxygen is used in the industry for cutting, welding, and melting metals and is also used in water treatment.

Formula of Oxalate

Oxalate is an anion with the formula C2O42-.It is a naturally occurring molecule found in abundance in plants and humans. High levels of oxygen are found in spinach, sweet potato, almonds, beetroot, and nuts. Too much oxalate in our urine results in a medical condition called hyperoxaluria commonly referred to as kidney stones. Diet is looked upon as a preventive measure in addition to medicines to treat kidney stones and the elimination of high oxalate foods from your diet. Our body makes oxalic acid which can form oxalate crystals and cause pain, stiffness, and inflammation in muscles and joints. 

Structure Of Oxalate

The chemical formula of Oxalate is C2O42-.To draw the Lewis structure for this we can find the valance electrons of carbon and oxygen. Carbon has four valance electrons here we have 2 carbon atoms and oxygen has six valance electrons we have 4 oxygen atoms so totally we have 34 valance electrons for the C2O42-.In this carbons are in the middle of the structure and then we have 4 carbons put two around each of the carbon atoms. And form the bonds between these atoms to fulfill the octet. All the oxygen atoms complete the octet but here we have a problem looking at the carbons each carbon only has six valance electrons its octet is not completed to fulfill this to make the double bond between carbon and oxygen atoms.

Physical Properties Of Oxalate

  • Oxalate molecular weight is 88.019 g/mol
  • The monoisotopic mass of oxalate is 87.98 g/mol
  • The number of hydrogen acceptors is 4

Chemical Properties Of Oxalate

  • The chemical formula of oxalate is C2O42-.
  • Sodium Oxalate and Potassium Oxalate salts are soluble in water
  • Calcium Oxalates are insoluble in water
  • Sodium Oxalate reacts with sulfuric acid to form sodium sulfate and oxalic acid                                                               

Na2C2O4 + H2SO4 —-> Na2SO4 +H2C2O4 

  • Potassium Oxalate reacts with silver nitrate to form solid silver oxalate and potassium nitrate                                                 

2AgNO3 + K2C2O4 —–> Ag2C2O4 + 2KNO3 

Health Hazards Of Oxalate 

  • Oxalate can cause the formation of kidney stones. Mostly the kidney stones are composed of calcium oxalate
  • It can cause skin rashes
  • In women, some cases of vulvodynia may be associated with oxalic acid 
  • Foods that contain high amounts of oxalates should not be consumed raw. They should be boiled in water before consumption.
  • It can change the mood 
  • It can cause painful urination
  • It can cause painful bowel movements.

Uses Of Oxalate

  • Oxalate is used in rust removal.
  • It is used in the treatment of anxiety and depression.
  • It is used in photography.
  • Used in platinum printmaking.
  • It is used in the removal of ink stains.
  • Cobalt oxalate is used in the production of cobalt catalysts.

Sample Questions 

Question 1: How the oxalates affect the body?

Answer:

When oxalate levels are high there is a greater chance it will bind to calcium forming kidney stones. Because oxalates bind to minerals like calcium they can prevent your body from absorbing beneficial nutrients in your digestive tract. And some of the symptoms are dizziness, skin rashes, painful urination, and painful bowel movements.

Question 2: Is oxalate same as the oxalic acid?

Answer:

Oxalic acid is an organic compound found in many plants including leafy greens vegetables fruits cocoa nuts and seeds. The term oxalic acid and oxalate are used interchangeably in nutrition science.

Question 3: How are calcium oxalates harmful to us?

Answer:

Calcium oxalate crystals are the most common cause of kidney stones. When we eat food rich in calcium it binds with oxalate in the stomach and intestines before it moves to the kidneys . A diet rich in liquids helps reduce the amount of oxalate being absorbed by our body so stones are less likely to form.

Question 4: How can we reduce oxalates?

Answer:

We can reduce oxalates by taking good diet and adopting a healthy lifestyle. Drinking plenty of water to helps our body to flush oxalates out. Avoid eating too much protein. Eat less salt and take fewer fruits and vegetables containing oxalates.

Question 5: Is oxalate organic or inorganic?

Answer:

Oxalate is an organic acid that is primarily derived from three sources food, fungus, possibly Candida, and also human metabolism. These are organic compounds containing exactly two carboxylic acid groups.

Question 6: What are the uses of oxygen?

Answer:

Oxygen is a chemical element with the symbol O . It plays a critical role in the respiration process. It is used in the burning of fuels. It is used in the industry for cutting welding and melting metals. It is used in water treatment and chemical combustion.



Last Updated : 20 Dec, 2023
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