Sodium tetraborate

Sodium tetraborate, also known as borax, is a boron compound, a mineral, and a salt of boric acid. It is usually a white powder consisting of soft colorless crystals that dissolve easily in water.

History

Sodium tetraborate has been used for thousands of years. It was known in the ancient world and was traded in Silk Route countries. In the 19th century, it was discovered in large quantities in Death Valley and began to be mined commercially.

Properties

Sodium tetraborate is a low toxicity mineral with insecticidal, fungicidal, and herbicidal properties. It is also used as a flame retardant, a component of glass and ceramics, and a precursor to other boron compounds.

Uses

Sodium tetraborate has a wide variety of uses. It is a component in many cleaning products, a buffering agent, an anti-fungal compound for fibreglass, a fire retardant, an anti-bacterial compound, and a desiccant. It is also used in the manufacture of glass, ceramics, and some jewelry.

Safety

While generally considered safe for humans and animals, it can be harmful if swallowed or inhaled in large amounts. It can also cause skin irritation.

See also

• Boric acid
• Borax bead test
• Boron