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Borax

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Identification
Molecular formula
Na2B4O7·10H2O
CAS number
1303-96-4
IUPAC name
sodium;oxido(oxo)borane
State
State

Borax, or sodium borate, is a solid at room temperature. It is usually encountered as a decahydrate, in the form Na2B4O7·10H2O, which is stable and can be stored as a powder or in crystalline form.

Melting point (Celsius)
743.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
1 016.00
Boiling point (Celsius)
1 575.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
1 848.00
General information
Molecular weight
201.22g/mol
Molar mass
201.2200g/mol
Density
1.7300g/cm3
Appearence

Borax is a white crystalline solid that is soft enough to be easily powdered. It frequently comes in granular or powder form and has a slight alkaline taste. When in pure crystalline form, it can appear as colorless and transparent crystals. It is soluble in water, and it is often used in various household and industrial applications.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Sodium Oxido(oxo)borane

Sodium oxido(oxo)borane is an intriguing compound with unique solubility characteristics. Its solubility can be influenced by various factors, including the presence of water and other solvents. Here are some key points regarding its solubility:

  • Water Solubility: Sodium oxido(oxo)borane is partially soluble in water, which means that it can dissolve to some extent, but may not form a saturated solution.
  • Solvent Interactions: This compound is known to interact with different solvents, potentially leading to varied solubility profiles. For instance, organic solvents might yield different solubility results compared to aqueous solutions.
  • Functional Groups: The presence of oxido and oxo groups in the structure often indicates a level of reactivity with polar solvents, enhancing its ability to dissolve.
  • Temperature Dependency: Solubility can also be temperature-dependent; generally, increased temperature can enhance solubility for many ionic compounds.

As an engaging thought, one could say, "The solubility of sodium oxido(oxo)borane is a dance of molecular interactions!" This reflects the intricate balance between the compound's chemical structure and the solvent's properties, showcasing how solubility is not merely a fixed attribute but a dynamic process influenced by environmental conditions.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts About Sodium Oxido(oxo)borane

Sodium oxido(oxo)borane is a fascinating chemical compound that falls within the category of boron-based compounds. Though it may not be as widely recognized as other chemical compounds, it possesses unique properties and applications. Here are some interesting points to consider:

  • Structural Features: This compound consists of boron bonded to oxygen and sodium. The boron-oxygen bond is particularly noteworthy as it plays a crucial role in the stability and reactivity of the compound.
  • Reactivity: Sodium oxido(oxo)borane can act as a reducing agent in various chemical reactions, which makes it useful in organic synthesis and material science.
  • Applications: Researchers have been exploring its potential uses in:
    • Organic synthesis
    • Electrode materials for batteries
    • Catalysis, particularly in reactions involving boron compounds
  • Unique Behavior: The oxido- complexes enable interesting reactivity patterns, providing avenues for innovations in synthesis.
  • Important Precursors: This compound serves as a precursor to other boron-based materials that have significant technological implications, especially in semiconductor and optoelectronic applications.
  • Research Frontiers: Ongoing studies continue to uncover the nuances of its behavior in different reaction environments, contributing to our understanding of boron chemistry.

As a member of the boron compound family, sodium oxido(oxo)borane invites exploration and leads chemists into the revolutionary field of boron and its applications in modern chemistry. As one observer eloquently stated, "Boron is a gateway to innovation in materials science."