CALCIUM-OXALATE TRIHYDRATE PHASE-CONTROL BY STRUCTURALLY-SPECIFIC CARBOXYLIC-ACIDS

Carboxylic acids are known inhibitors of kidney stone formation. Eight acids with distinct spacing of carboxyl functional groups are shown to inhibit calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) pre-critical nuclei, so that calcium oxalate trihydrate (COT) precipitation occurs. Increased acid concentration inhibits COM and COT phases, resulting in precipitation of calcium oxalate dihydrate (COD). Sodium and potassium were found to negate the effect. Computer modeling confirms structural match between the molecules and calcium spacing in the crystal lattices and allows for the prediction of certain oxalate stone inhibitorS. Correlation is made between adsorption site density and order of phase inhibition.