Borax Formula, Definition, Structure, Properties, Uses

Borax Formula: Boron is a chemical element found in both crystalline and amorphous states. It is denoted by the symbol B and atomic number 5, with an atomic weight of 10.81 amu. In its amorphous form boron appears as a robust brown substance, while in its crystalline form, it has a shiny, dark appearance. Notably, Turkey stands as the world’s primary producer of boron.

Borax Formula

The Borax formula is Na₂B₄O₇. Borax is also recognized by its various names such as sodium borate, sodium borate decahydrate, or sodium tetraborate decahydrate. It is renowned for its antifungal properties. Borax essentially consists of water molecules bound to boric acid.i ts chemical formula varies based on the amount of water in its crystalline structure. Borax boasts a broad spectrum of applications, serving as a co-complexing agent, fungicide, and water softener.

What is Borax

The Borax formula is Na₂B₄O₇. Borax is a naturally occurring mineral and a salt derived from boric acid. It goes by various names, including sodium borate, sodium tetraborate, and disodium tetraborate, and is a significant boron compound. Borax encompasses several closely related minerals, each with varying amounts of crystal water, such as decahydrate, pentahydrate, and octahydrate salts. Even its anhydrous form is commonly known as borax.

The formula of Borax is diverse due to the range of crystals it encompasses, with variations in its water of crystallization.

Borax Formula Structure

Borax is naturally formed through the process of repeated evaporation in seasonal lakes. Its initial discovery took place in the dry lake beds of Tibet, and it was subsequently imported to Arabian estates.

Preparation of Borax

The production of borax involves the utilization of colemanite (Ca₂B₆O₁₁) and follows this chemical reaction:

Ca₂B₆O₁₁ + 2Na₂CO₃ → (Under the influence of heat) → Na₂B₄O₇ + 2NaBO₂ + 2CaCO₃ (precipitate)

To further refine this, sodium metaborate (NaBO₂) is treated with carbon dioxide to yield borax, with the reaction as follows:

4NaBO₂ + CO₂ → Na₂B₄O₇ + Na₂CO₃

Boric Acid vs. Borax

Borax and Boric Acid are closely linked boron compounds. Borax is a naturally occurring mineral that can be extracted from the earth or obtained through evaporative processes. Boric acid (H₃BO₃) is the refined chemical product resulting from the processing of borax. Borax can be considered a salt of boric acid. Although these substances exhibit distinct characteristics, both are effective for purposes such as insect control and slime.

Borax Formula Physical Properties

Borax presents itself as a white crystalline solid compound.

The refractive index of decahydrate Borax is 1.472.

Borax exhibits a boiling point of 1,575°C in its anhydrous form.

The melting point of anhydrous Borax is 743°C.

In its anhydrous form Borax has a molar mass of 202.2 gm/mol, while in its decahydrate state, the molar mass is 381.38 gm/mol.

The density of decahydrate Borax is 1.7 g/cm 3.

Borax Formula Chemical Properties

Borax is flammable and It produces a yellowish-green flame when ignited.

It is soluble in water at a rate of 31.7 g/L.

Borax displays high solubility in ethylene glycol, while its solubility in acetone is relatively low.

When subjected to hydrochloric acid, Borax undergoes a chemical reaction to form boric acid, with the following reaction:

Na₂B₄O₇·10H₂O + 2 HCl → 4 B(OH)₃ + 2 NaCl + 5 H₂O

Borax is particularly highly soluble in ethylene glycol and only sparingly soluble in acetone.

Uses of Borax

Borax serves as an effective insecticide, used for pest control.

Its strong disinfectant properties make Borax a valuable choice in various cleaning applications.

The preparation of buffer solutions benefits from the inclusion of Borax.

In the field of pharmaceuticals, Borax is used as an alkalizing agent for specific medicinal purposes.

Borax finds utility as a food preservative, extending the shelf life of certain products.