Whewellite, CaC2O4•H2O: structural study by a combined NMR, crystallography and modelling approach

Multinuclear solid state NMR (including Ca-43 NMR), in combination with DFT calculations, is applied to the study of the crystal structure of whewellite, CaC2O4 center dot H2O. This particular hydrated calcium oxalate is of paramount importance as it corresponds to a major phase present in urinary stones. Ca-43 MAS NMR experiments and GIPAW calculations were performed in order to further refine neutron diffraction data. The sensitivity of Ca-43 NMR as a structural probe is demonstrated. This is the first step for the full description of calcium oxalates at the DFT level and the characterization of interfaces between these biomineral phases and organic phases.