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Published on: May 25, 2016
Synthesis of triclinic calcium pyrophosphate crystals
P J Groves1, R M Wilson, P A Dieppe
1Division of Restorative Dentistry, University of Bristol Dental School, Lower Maudlin Street, Bristol BS1 2LY, UK.
Abstract:
This paper presents a method for preparing crystals of triclinic calcium pyrophosphate (t-CPPD). A calcium pyrophosphate intermediate is first prepared by reaction of potassium pyrophosphate and calcium chloride. Samples of the intermediate are dissolved in hydrochloric acid and urea added. Upon heating to 95-100 degrees C, hydrolysis of the urea causes the pH to rise and t-CPPD crystallises out. Purity of the product was ascertained by chemical and physical analysis. Where large crystals are required an unstirred system is used, while smaller crystals are produced by stirring the reaction mixture.
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