

Borax Pentahydrate
$ 3.00 Original price was: $ 3.00.$ 2.14Current price is: $ 2.14.
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.
Borax Pentahydrate
Primary Uses
- Detergent and Cleaning Products
- Functions as a pH buffer and water softener in laundry detergents and household cleaning agents.
- Enhances cleaning efficiency by maintaining alkaline conditions for stain removal and grease breakdown.
- Glass and Ceramics Manufacturing
- Used as a fluxing agent to reduce melting points and improve physical properties of glass and ceramics.
- Agriculture
- Serves as a boron micronutrient fertilizer, essential for plant growth and development.
- Cosmetics and Personal Care
- Used as an emulsifier and preservative in creams, lotions, and bath salts.
- Provides mild antiseptic and buffering properties.
- Industrial Applications
- Utilized in soldering fluxes, fire retardants, and wood preservatives.
Secondary Uses
- Water Treatment
- Employed to adjust pH and alkalinity in water treatment processes.
- Laboratory Reagent
- Used as a buffering agent and reagent in chemical laboratories.
- Household and Crafts
- Used in homemade slime recipes and as a mild abrasive cleaning agent.
Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): Sodium tetraborate pentahydrate
- Common/Trade Name: Borax Pentahydrate
- CAS Number: 12179-04-3
- HS Code: 2840.10.00
- Molecular Formula: Na2B4O7·5H2O
- Synonyms:
- Sodium borate pentahydrate
- Disodium tetraborate pentahydrate
- Borax 5H2O
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Crystalline powder or granules
- Color & Odor: White or colorless; odorless
- Melting Point: Decomposes around 75°C (loses water of crystallization)
- Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes)
- Density: Approximately 1.75 g/cm³
- Solubility: Soluble in water (higher solubility than decahydrate); insoluble in alcohol
- pH: Alkaline (approx. 9–10 in 1% aqueous solution)
- Vapor Pressure: Negligible
- Stability: Stable under normal conditions; loses water upon heating
3. Safety & Hazard Attributes
- Hazard Class (GHS): Irritant to skin and eyes
- NFPA Ratings:
- Health: 2
- Flammability: 0
- Reactivity: 0
- Exposure Limits:
- OSHA PEL: Not established
- ACGIH TLV: 2 mg/m³ (inhalable dust)
- Toxicity: Low acute toxicity; may cause irritation if ingested or inhaled in large quantities
- Reactivity: Stable; reacts with strong acids releasing boric acid
4. Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from moisture
- Container Type: Sealed plastic bags, drums, or containers
- Shelf Life: Typically 2–3 years under proper storage
- Special Handling: Avoid dust formation; use appropriate PPE
5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- FDA Status: Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for limited uses
- Environmental Regulations: Complies with REACH and other chemical regulations
- Transportation: Not classified as hazardous material
- Waste Disposal: Follow local regulations; non-hazardous
6. Environmental & Health Impact
- Ecotoxicity: Low to moderate; excess boron is harmful to aquatic organisms
- Persistence: Inorganic and stable in environment
- Bioaccumulation: Not expected to bioaccumulate
- Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic or mutagenic
- Biodegradability: Not biodegradable (inorganic compound)
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Gloves
- Safety goggles
- Dust mask or respirator when handling powder
- Protective clothing
Handling Measures:
- Avoid inhalation of dust and contact with skin or eyes
- Use local exhaust ventilation if dust is generated
- Work in well-ventilated areas
Storage Measures:
- Keep container tightly closed
- Store away from incompatible materials
Hygiene Practices:
- Wash hands thoroughly after handling
- Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if symptoms develop
- Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water; remove contaminated clothing
- Eye Contact: Rinse eyes thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical advice if irritation persists
- Ingestion: Rinse mouth; do not induce vomiting; seek medical attention if large amounts ingested
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Non-flammable
- Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical, or CO₂
- Special Precautions: Firefighters should wear protective gear and respiratory protection if needed
- Decomposition Products: May emit boron oxides and sodium oxides under extreme heat