BORAX EXTRA PURE

SHORT DESCRIPTION 

Borax Extra Pure, also known as sodium tetraborate decahydrate, is a high-purity crystalline compound widely used in laboratory applications involving buffer preparation, flame tests, and qualitative inorganic analysis. It serves as a valuable reagent in analytical chemistry for detecting metal ions, especially in borax bead tests, and is commonly used to prepare borate buffers for biochemical experiments due to its stable pH-regulating properties. Its ability to act as a mild alkali and complexing agent makes it suitable for various titration and solubility studies. The extra pure grade guarantees minimal contamination, ensuring accurate and consistent results in sensitive laboratory work. It should be stored in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry environment, away from acids and moisture.                              

Primary Uses

1. Buffering Agent 
   • Commonly used in preparing buffer solutions, especially in biochemical and enzymatic experiments due to its ability to maintain stable pH in alkaline ranges (pH ~9.2 when mixed with boric acid). 
2. Complexometric Titration Support 
   • Acts as a masking or stabilizing agent in EDTA titrations, helping to maintain proper metal ion balance. 
3. Reagent in Qualitative Inorganic Analysis 
   • Used in borax bead tests to identify transition metal ions based on the color of the molten bead formed upon heating with metal salts. 
4. Glass and Enamel Flux Studies 
   • Serves in research on glass formation and enamel behavior, where borax acts as a fluxing agent that lowers melting points and enhances flow properties. 

Secondary Uses

1. Microbiology & Molecular Biology Support 
   • Occasionally used in storage solutions for biological samples or as a component of certain staining buffers (e.g., in RNA gels). 
2. Demonstration of Hydration and Crystal Structures 
   • In educational labs, borax crystals are used to teach crystallization, water of hydration, and thermochemical changes. 
3. Polymer Slime Demonstrations 
   • Reacts with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) in polymer cross-linking experiments, popular in educational chemistry demonstrations. 
4. Water Softening & Ion Exchange Experiments 
   • Used in teaching water hardness reduction, due to its mild alkalinity and ion-complexing ability.

 KEY ATTRIBUTES

1. Basic Identification Attributes

• Product Name: Borax Extra Pure 
• Other Names: Sodium Tetraborate Decahydrate, Disodium Tetraborate 
• Chemical Formula: Na₂B₄O₇·10H₂O 
• CAS Number: 1303-96-4 
• HS Code: 2840.11.00 
• Grade: Extra Pure (analytical reagent grade, suitable for lab use) 

2. Physical & Chemical Properties

• Appearance: White crystalline powder or granules 
• Odor: Odorless 
• Molecular Weight: 381.37 g/mol 
• Solubility in Water: Soluble (better in warm water) 
• Melting Point: Loses water at ~75°C, melts at ~741°C (anhydrous) 
• pH (1% solution): ~9.3 (alkaline) 
• Stability: Stable under normal lab conditions 

3. Safety & Hazard Attributes

• GHS Classification: 
  • Reproductive toxicity (Category 2 – suspected) 
  • Eye irritation (Category 2A) 
• GHS Pictograms: ⚠️ 
• NFPA Ratings: 
  • Health: 1 
  • Flammability: 0 
  • Reactivity: 0 
• Lab Hazards: 
  • Can irritate eyes and skin 
  • Harmful if ingested in large quantities 
  • Long-term exposure may affect fertility 
• PPE: 
  • Gloves, goggles, lab coat 
  • Avoid inhaling dust 

4. Storage & Handling Attributes

• Storage Conditions: 
  • Store in tightly closed containers 
  • Keep in a dry, cool place away from moisture 
• Incompatible With: 
  • Strong acids (forms boric acid) 
  • Strong oxidizers 
• Shelf Life: 
  • Stable indefinitely when stored properly 
• Handling Notes: 
  • Minimize dust generation 
  • Do not store with acidic materials 

5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes

• Regulatory Status: 
  • Subject to reporting in some regions due to reproductive toxicity concerns 
• UN Number: Not regulated for transport 
• Disposal: 
  • Dispose of in accordance with local chemical waste guidelines 
  • Non-hazardous under most disposal classifications 

6. Environmental & Health Impact

• Toxicity: Low acute toxicity, but potentially harmful in aquatic environments at high concentrations 
• Biodegradability: Not applicable – mineral salt 
• Health Effects: 
  • May irritate eyes and respiratory tract 
  • Chronic exposure linked to fertility issues in high doses