Borax Pentahydrate

Borax Pentahydrate (chemical formula: Na₂B₄O₇·5H₂O) is a hydrated form of borax, a compound consisting of sodium borate. It is commonly used in cleaning products, as a buffer solution, in the manufacture of glass, ceramics, and as a component in insecticides.

The “pentahydrate” refers to the fact that each borax molecule is associated with five water molecules, forming a crystalline structure. When heated or exposed to lower humidity, Borax Pentahydrate can lose its water molecules and transform into other forms like Borax Decahydrate or anhydrous Borax.

Some common uses of Borax Pentahydrate include:

Laundry detergents: It helps to boost cleaning power by softening water.
Insecticides: Borax is toxic to certain insects and can be used as a natural pest control agent.
Antiseptic: It has mild antiseptic properties and is used in some medicinal applications.
Industrial applications: It is used in glassmaking, as a flux in metallurgy, and in the production of ceramics.