Borax

Molecular formula: Na₂B₄O₇ • 10H₂O

Molecular weight: 381.37

CAS: 1303-96-4

Properties: 
White crystalline powder, specific gravity 1.69-1.73, hardness 2-2.5. Soluble in water, insoluble in alcohol, the solution is alkaline. Heated to 350-400oC, lose all crystal water and become anhydrous borax. Bactericidal effect, oral is harmful to people. 
GB537-1997

Uses: 
Borax is an important raw material of glass, enamel, ceramic, non-ferrous metals, metallurgy and other industries. For trace elements in fertilizers and disinfectants, pharmaceutical industry in agriculture are also widely used, is the basic raw material boron and high borane fuels. 
In the glass, can enhance UV transmittance, improve transparency and heat resistance of the glass. Products in enamel, the enamel can not easily fall off and make it shiny. In the special optical glass, glass fiber, non-ferrous metal solder, jewelry adhesives, printing and dyeing, washing (silk and wool, etc.), gold refining, cosmetics, pesticides, fertilizers, borax soap, preservatives, antifreeze and medicine with disinfectant, it is also widely used. 
Borax is the basic production from boron-containing compound, boron-containing almost all can be prepared by borax. They metallurgy, steel, machinery, military, tools, paper, tubes, chemical and textile sectors have important and extensive use.