Sodium metaborate, also known as sodium borate, is a chemical compound with the formula NaBO2. The 8-mol technical grade refers to a specific type of sodium metaborate that contains 8 molecules of water (NaBO2·8H2O). Here are some key properties and uses:
_Properties_
1. _Chemical Formula_: NaBO2·8H2O
2. _Molecular Weight_: 241.92 g/mol
3. _Appearance_: White crystalline powder
4. _Solubility_: Soluble in water, slightly soluble in organic solvents
5. _pH_: 9-10 (1% aqueous solution)
_Uses_
1. _Textile Industry_: Sodium metaborate is used in the textile industry as a:
1. Dye fixative
2. Bleaching agent
3. Scouring agent
2. _Paper Industry_: It is used in the paper industry as a:
1. Sizing agent
2. Retention agent
3. Drainage aid
3. _Leather Industry_: Sodium metaborate is used in the leather industry as a:
1. Tanning agent
2. Fixing agent
3. Buffing agent
4. _Pharmaceuticals_: It is used in pharmaceutical applications as an:
1. Excipient
2. Buffering agent
3. Stabilizer
5. _Agriculture_: Sodium metaborate is used in agriculture as a:
1. Fungicide
2. Insecticide
3. Herbicide
_Benefits_
1. _High Solubility_: Sodium metaborate has high solubility in water, making it easy to formulate and use in various applications.
2. _Stable pH_: It has a stable pH, which makes it suitable for use in applications where pH control is important.
3. _Low Toxicity_: Sodium metabor