Sodium borate is a compound used in various industries. It has multiple applications, such as a cleaning agent, a flux in metallurgy, and a component in cosmetics and detergents.
| IUPAC Name | Sodium borate |
| Molecular Formula | Na2B4O7 |
| CAS Number | 1330-96-4 |
| Synonyms | Borax, Sodium tetraborate, Disodium tetraborate, Sodium biborate |
| InChI | InChI=1S/B4O7.2Na/c5-1-7-3-9-2-8-4-10-3;;/q-2;2*+1 |
Sodium Borate Properties
Sodium Borate Formula
The chemical formula of sodium borate is Na2B4H20O17. It consists of two sodium (Na) atoms, four boron (B) atoms, and seven oxygen (O) atoms. The formula represents the ratio of each element in the compound.
Sodium Borate Molar Mass
The molar mass of borax is calculated by adding up the atomic masses of all the atoms in the compound. The molar mass of borax is approximately 381.37 grams per mole (g/mol). It is useful in determining the amount of substance present in a given sample.
Sodium Borate Boiling Point
Borax has a relatively high boiling point. At standard atmospheric pressure, it boils at around 1575 degrees Celsius (C). This high boiling point makes it suitable for various industrial applications that involve high-temperature processes.
Sodium Borate Melting Point
Borax has a melting point of approximately 741 degrees Celsius (C). It undergoes a phase transition from solid to liquid state at this temperature. The relatively low melting point allows borax to be easily melted and used in various manufacturing processes.
Sodium Borate Density g/ml
The density of borax is around 1.73 grams per milliliter (g/mL). Density is a measure of how much mass is contained in a given volume. The relatively high density of borax makes it a useful compound in applications where its weight or concentration is important.
Sodium Borate Molecular Weight
The molecular weight of borax is approximately 381.37 grams per mole (g/mol). It represents the sum of the atomic weights of all the atoms in one molecule of borax. The molecular weight is essential for various calculations, such as determining the number of moles or mass of a substance.
Sodium Borate Structure
Borax has a complex crystal structure consisting of boron-oxygen polyhedra and sodium ions. The boron atoms form a network with oxygen atoms, creating a three-dimensional structure. The sodium ions are located within this structure, providing stability to the compound.
Sodium Borate Solubility
Borax is moderately soluble in water. It dissolves readily in hot water, and the solubility increases with temperature. However, it has limited solubility in organic solvents. The solubility of borax makes it useful for various applications, including as a cleaning agent and in the formulation of solutions and mixtures.
| Appearance | White crystalline powder |
| Specific Gravity | 1.73 g/mL |
| Color | White |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Molar Mass | 381.37 g/mol |
| Density | 1.73 g/mL |
| Melting Point | 741 °C |
| Boiling Point | 1575 °C |
| Flash Point | Not applicable |
| Water Solubility | Soluble |
| Solubility | Soluble in water, limited solubility in organic solvents |
| Vapour Pressure | Not available |
| Vapour Density | Not available |
| pKa | Not applicable |
| pH | Approximately 9-10 |
Sodium Borate Safety and Hazards
Borax should be handled with caution due to its potential safety hazards. It can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system upon direct contact or inhalation. Ingestion of large amounts can lead to gastrointestinal disturbances. Protective measures, such as gloves and goggles, should be used when working with borax to prevent exposure. It is important to store it in a secure and well-ventilated area, away from incompatible substances. In case of accidental ingestion or exposure, immediate medical attention should be sought. Safety data sheets and proper handling guidelines should be consulted for detailed information on borax’s hazards and safety precautions.
| Hazard Symbols | Toxic |
| Safety Description | Harmful if swallowed. Causes skin and eye irritation. |
| UN IDs | UN 1458 |
| HS Code | 2840.19.20 |
| Hazard Class | 6.1 (Toxic substances) |
| Packing Group | III |
| Toxicity | Moderate toxicity upon ingestion or skin/eye contact. |
Sodium Borate Synthesis Methods
There are several methods for synthesizing borax. One common method is the reaction between borax (sodium tetraborate decahydrate) and sodium carbonate. In this process, dissolve borax in water and then add sodium carbonate to the solution. The reaction occurs, forming borax and precipitating solid. Separate and dry the solid to obtain borax.
Another method involves dissolving boric acid in water and gradually adding sodium hydroxide to the solution. The reaction occurs, forming borax. Evaporate the solution to remove excess water and obtain borax crystals.
Furthermore, mix boron oxide with sodium hydroxide in a suitable solvent and heat the mixture. The reaction occurs, forming borax. Filter the mixture to separate any impurities, and allow the filtrate to cool and crystallize, yielding borax.
These synthesis methods provide routes for obtaining borax in a controlled manner. However, it is important to follow appropriate safety precautions and handle the chemicals responsibly during the synthesis process.
Sodium Borate Uses
Borax, also known as borax, has a wide range of uses across various industries due to its versatile properties. Here are some of its common applications:
- Flux in metallurgy: It serves as a flux in welding and soldering applications, helping to reduce the melting point of metals and facilitating the flow of molten metal.
- Fire retardant: It finds application as a fire retardant in various materials, including cellulose insulation, textiles, and wood products.
- Glass and ceramics: Borax is an essential component in the manufacturing of glass and ceramics. It aids in lowering the melting point, improving the durability, and enhancing the optical properties of these materials.
- pH buffer: It functions as a pH buffer in laboratory settings and scientific experiments.
- Cleaning agent: Household products such as laundry detergents, dish soaps, and multipurpose cleaners effectively use borax as a cleaning agent.
- Cosmetics: Cosmetics and personal care products utilize borax as a buffering agent, pH adjuster, and emulsifier.
- Preservative: Wood products incorporate borax as a preservative to prevent fungal and insect infestation.
- Agriculture: Borax acts as a micronutrient fertilizer in correcting boron deficiencies in crops, promoting healthy plant growth.
- Medical applications: Medicinal formulations incorporate borax for its antiseptic and astringent properties.
- Water treatment: Water treatment processes employ borax to inhibit the growth of algae and control pH levels.
These diverse applications highlight the significance of borax across various industries, making it a valuable and versatile compound.
Questions:
Q: What is sodium borate used for?
A: Borax is used as a cleaning agent, flux in metallurgy, component in cosmetics, fire retardant, glass/ceramics manufacturing, wood preservative, and more.
Q: Where to buy sodium borate?
A: Borax can be purchased from various chemical suppliers, hardware stores, online marketplaces, and some grocery stores.
Q: What will be the cation when sodium borate dissolves?
A: The cation released when borax dissolves is sodium (Na+).
Q: Is sodium borate the same as boric acid?
A: No, borax and boric acid are different compounds, although they both contain boron.
Q: Is sodium borate the same as borax?
A: Yes, borax is commonly known as borax.
Q: Is sodium borate a base?
A: Borax acts as a weak base in aqueous solutions.
Q: Is sodium borate drinkable?
A: Borax should not be ingested, as it can be toxic. It is not meant for consumption.
Q: Does sodium borate neutralize sulfuric acid?
A: No, borax does not neutralize sulfuric acid. It may react but will not fully neutralize it.
Q: What is the function of sodium borate in the pH 10 elution buffer?
A: Borax in the pH 10 elution buffer aids in the elution of negatively charged biomolecules from chromatography columns.
Q: What is borax?
A: Borax, also known as sodium borate, is a naturally occurring mineral compound consisting of sodium, boron, oxygen, and water molecules.
Q: What happens when borax is heated strongly?
A: When borax is heated strongly, it undergoes dehydration and loses its water molecules, resulting in the formation of anhydrous borax.
Q: Is borax the same as boric acid?
A: No, borax and boric acid are different compounds. Borax is sodium borate, while boric acid is an acid form of boron.
Q: What is borax powder?
A: Borax powder refers to the powdered form of borax, which is used for various purposes such as cleaning, laundry, and crafts.