The kinetics of formation and dissolution of uric acid crystals
Lam, C.Y.; Nancollas, G.H.; Ko, S.J.
Investigative Urology 15(6): 473-477
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0021-0005 PMID: 649297 Document Number: 134684
Kinetics of crystallization and dissolution of uric acid were studied at temperatures from 15-45.degree. C, using a highly reproducible seeding technique. Rates of reaction were followed by a precision conductometric method. Mineralization rate followed an equation 2nd-order in relative supersaturation, and experimental evidence pointed to a surface controlled crystal growth. In contrast, rapid dissolution of seed crystals into undersaturated uric acid solutions apparently was controlled by diffusion of electrolyte through the hydrodynamic boundary layer at the crystal surface. Activation energy for dissolution, 13.1 .+-. 2.6 kJ/mol, was close to that expected for bulk diffusion. Values are reported for the solubility product and dissociation constant for uric acid from 15-45.degree. C. [Renal of one formation in humans was discussed.].