Oxalater

Oxalater is a term encountered in some writings to denote compounds containing the oxalate moiety, particularly metal oxalates or oxalate esters. It is not a standard IUPAC name and many sources simply use “oxalate” or “oxalate salt.” The usage is most common in older literature or in specific subfields such as coordination chemistry, where the word may appear as a shorthand or regional variation.

Chemical nature: The oxalate ion C2O4^2− is a dianion capable of chelating metal centers. As a ligand, it binds through both carboxylate oxygens, forming five-membered chelate rings. Metal oxalates can be insoluble (for example, calcium oxalate) or soluble (such as sodium oxalate). Upon heating, oxalates typically decompose to yield carbon dioxide and metal oxides or carbonates, depending on conditions and the metal.

Occurrence: In minerals, calcium oxalate occurs in forms such as whewellite (monohydrate) and weddellite (dihydrate). In biology, oxalate is a metabolic byproduct; plants accumulate oxalate crystals, and oxalate accumulation can be involved in human health issues, including kidney stone formation in susceptible individuals.

Uses and safety: Oxalate compounds serve as chelating agents in analytical chemistry and can act as precursors to metal oxides. Dietarily, oxalates can pose health risks for some individuals, particularly those prone to kidney stone formation. The term “oxalater” remains uncommon in modern nomenclature; most discussions refer to oxalates or specific metal oxalates. See also oxalate, oxalic acid, and metal oxalates.