borax sodium tetraborate decahydrate

‌Borax Sodium Tetraborate Decahydrate It's the manufacturer!

Borax Sodium Tetraborate Decahydrate‌

Borax, chemically known as ‌sodium tetraborate decahydrate‌ (Na₂B₄O₇·10H₂O), is a naturally occurring mineral and a widely used boron compound. It crystallizes as colorless or white semi-transparent crystals or fine powder, with a characteristic mild, alkaline taste.

‌Chemical Properties‌

• ‌Molecular Formula‌: Na₂B₄O₇·10H₂O

• ‌Molecular Weight‌: 381.37 g/mol

• ‌Appearance‌: White crystalline solid, often appearing as granular or powdery material.

• ‌Solubility‌: Highly soluble in water (60 g/L at 20°C), forming a clear, slightly alkaline solution. It is also soluble in glycerol but sparingly soluble in ethanol.

• ‌Melting Point‌: 75°C (decahydrate form loses water at this temperature).

• ‌Density‌: 1.73 g/cm³ at 25°C.

• ‌Stability‌: Stable under normal conditions but may slowly lose water (effloresce) in dry air.

‌Physical Characteristics‌

• ‌Texture‌: Fine, granular crystals with a smooth, soapy feel.

• ‌Odor‌: Odorless.

• ‌Boiling Point‌: Decomposes at higher temperatures (~320°C), releasing water and forming anhydrous sodium tetraborate (Na₂B₄O₇).

‌Applications‌

Borax is a versatile compound with applications across multiple industries:

1. ‌Cleaning Products‌: Used as a mild abrasive and pH buffer in detergents, soaps, and laundry boosters due to its ability to soften water and enhance cleaning efficiency.

2. ‌Industrial Processes‌:

• ‌Flux in Metallurgy‌: Acts as a flux in soldering and welding to remove metal oxides.

• ‌Glass Manufacturing‌: Used in the production of borosilicate glass (e.g., Pyrex) for its low thermal expansion properties.

• ‌Preservative‌: Employed as a fungicide and insecticide in wood preservation and agricultural treatments.

3. ‌Laboratory Use‌:

• ‌Buffer Solution‌: Forms a pH buffer system (borate buffer) in biological and chemical experiments.

• ‌Analytical Chemistry‌: Used in qualitative analysis to detect metal ions (e.g., cobalt, nickel) by forming colored borate complexes.

4. ‌Consumer Products‌:

• ‌Cosmetics‌: Found in some skincare formulations as a mild antiseptic and pH adjuster.

• ‌DIY Crafts‌: Used in slime-making due to its ability to cross-link polymer chains.

‌Safety Considerations‌

• ‌Toxicity‌: Low acute toxicity (LD₅₀ in rats: ~5.66 g/kg orally), but chronic exposure may cause irritation or systemic effects.

• ‌Handling‌: May cause mild skin or eye irritation; use with gloves and eye protection.

• ‌Environmental Impact‌: Generally low environmental toxicity but should be disposed of responsibly to avoid water contamination.

‌Additional Notes‌

• ‌Synonyms‌: Also known as "sodium borate," "disodium tetraborate," or "月石砂" (traditional Chinese name).

• ‌Natural Occurrence‌: Found in evaporite deposits and mined as a mineral ore.

This expanded description provides a comprehensive overview of borax sodium tetraborate decahydrate, covering its properties, uses, and safety aspects. Let me know if you'd like further details on any specific aspect!