Borax
Borax finds application in a variety of household laundry and cleaning products, as well as certain tooth cleaning formulations. It is also employed as an ingredient in glass and pottery glazes within the ceramics industry. In metallurgy, it serves as a solvent for metal-oxide slags, while in welding and soldering, it acts as a flux. Additionally, borax is utilized as an additive in fertilizers, a component in mouthwash solutions, and a water softener.
- Synonyms
- Sodium Borate, Sodium tetraborate, Disodium tetraborate, E285
- Chemical Formula
- Na2B4O7.xH2O
- CAS Number
- 1330-43-4 (anhydrous), 1303-96-4 (decahydrate), 12179-04-3 (pentahydrate)
Characteristics
- Molar Weight
- 381.38 g/mol (decahydrate)
- Melting Point
- 75°C (decahydrate), 742°C (anhydrous)
- Boiling Point
- 1575°C (anhydrous, decomposes)
- Density
- 1.72 g/cm³ (decahydrate), 1.815 g/cm³ (pentahydrate)
- Forms
- Powder, White, Solid
Uses and Applications
Key applications
- Buffer agent
- Disinfectant
- Welding
- Food additive
- Agricultural
- Pharmaceuticals
- Personal care