CaS2O6
Calcium oxalate, with the chemical formula CaS2O6, is a white crystalline compound that is commonly found in nature as the mineral whewellite. It is a salt of calcium and oxalic acid, and is often used in various industrial applications. Calcium oxalate is known for its high solubility in water, which makes it useful in the production of cleaning agents and detergents. It is also used in the manufacturing of certain types of glass and ceramics, where it acts as a fluxing agent, helping to lower the melting point of the materials. In the field of medicine, calcium oxalate is a component of kidney stones, which can form when the body has an imbalance of calcium and oxalate levels. The compound is generally considered to be non-toxic, but high levels of exposure can lead to health issues. Calcium oxalate can be synthesized in a laboratory by reacting calcium carbonate with oxalic acid. The resulting compound is typically isolated and purified through recrystallization.