Disodium tetraborate

Disodium tetraborate, commonly known as borax, is an inorganic boron compound registered under CAS 1330-43-4 and EC 215-540-4. It is also referenced by trade names including Dehybor, FB 48, and fr28, and carries the molecular formula B4Na2O7. No E-code designation applies to this substance.

In water treatment, borax acts as a pH buffer and corrosion inhibitor by releasing borate ions that stabilize alkalinity in process water. In textile and leather processing, it functions as a flame retardant by forming a glassy borate layer that interrupts combustion, and as a preservative that inhibits microbial degradation of organic substrates.

Borax is commercially available in anhydrous and decahydrate grades, supplied as powder or granules to suit different dissolution and handling requirements. It is subject to REACH regulation within the EU, with classification as a reproductive toxicant (Repr. 1B) requiring appropriate SDS documentation. Packaging typically follows industrial bulk or bag formats depending on application volume.