Borax Decahydrate
Borax Decahydrate, also known as sodium tetraborate decahydrate, is a naturally occurring mineral and an important inorganic compound. It appears as colorless or white crystalline granules or powder with a salty, alkaline taste. This compound is widely used in detergents, cosmetics, glass manufacturing, agriculture, and various industrial applications due to its excellent buffering, emulsifying, and antiseptic properties. The “decahydrate” indicates that each molecule of borax contains ten water molecules bound in its crystal structure, contributing to its crystalline appearance and physical properties.
Borax Pentahydrate
Borax Pentahydrate (sodium tetraborate pentahydrate) is an inorganic compound and a hydrated form of borax. It typically appears as colorless to white crystalline granules or powder. This compound contains five molecules of water of crystallization per formula unit, distinguishing it from other borax hydrates such as the decahydrate form. Borax Pentahydrate is widely used across industries including detergents, glass production, agriculture, and cosmetics, valued for its buffering capacity, emulsification, and antiseptic properties. It is soluble in water and exhibits alkaline properties in aqueous solution.