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Acids and bases

Borax vs boric acid

Borax (H20B4Na2O17, CAS 1303-96-4) and boric acid (H3BO3, CAS 10043-35-3) are both listed under inorganic chemicals.

Borax has a molar mass of 381.37 g/mol, boric acid 61.83 g/mol.

Measured boiling points are 320 °C for borax and 300 °C for boric acid.

Both carry the GHS signal word Danger.

On CompoundList, 183 suppliers list borax and 633 suppliers list boric acid.

Data last updated 7 October 2026

Borax and boric acid compared side by side
Borax (B4Na2O7.10H2O) chemical structure, H20B4Na2O17, CAS 1303-96-4
Borax
Boric acid chemical structure, H3BO3, CAS 10043-35-3
Boric acid
Identity
Name in our databaseBorax (B4Na2O7.10H2O)Boric acid
CAS number1303-96-410043-35-3
Molecular formulaH20B4Na2O17H3BO3
Molar mass381.37 g/mol61.83 g/mol
IUPAC namedisodium, 3,7-dioxido-2,4,6,8,9-pentaoxa-1,3,5,7-tetraborabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane, decahydrateboric acid
EC number603-411-9233-139-2
Physical properties
AppearanceWhite, monoclinic crystalsColorless, transparent crystals or white granules or powder
Melting point75 °C170.9 °C
Boiling point320 °C300 °C
Density1.73 g/cm³1.5 g/cm³
SolubilityIn water, 5.93 × 10⁺⁴ mg/L at 25 °CSlightly unctuous to touch, volatile with steam, solubility in water increased by hydrochloric, citric or tartaric acids
LogP (octanol/water)Computed from the structure-18.48-2.05
Safety (GHS)
Signal wordDangerDanger
Pictograms
GHS08: Serious health hazard
GHS08: Serious health hazard
Hazard statements
  • H360FD May damage fertility. May damage the unborn child.
  • H360FD May damage fertility. May damage the unborn child.
Uses and classification
Uses and functions
  • Buffers
  • Buffer
  • Ophthalmology drug
  • Pharmaceutical
  • Biocide
  • Chelating agent
  • Preservatives
  • Insecticides
  • Additive
  • Astringent
  • Pharmaceutical
  • Plastic additive
CategoryInorganic chemicals › Silicates, borates and other saltsInorganic chemicals › Inorganic acids
HS code284019Disodium tetraborate (refined borax), other252800Natural borates and concentrates thereof (whether or not calcined), but not including…
Market on CompoundList
Suppliers183 suppliers633 suppliers
Supplier countries41 countries, most in India, United States, China69 countries, most in India, United States, China
Price rangeOnly prices set by suppliers who manage their own profilePrice on requestPrice on request

Measured and computed values as shown on each chemical page, plus live listings on CompoundList. Details may have changed, please confirm them with the supplier. Safety data is a summary, not an SDS.

More comparisons

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