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
| Identity | ||
|---|---|---|
| Name in our database | Borax (B4Na2O7.10H2O) | Boric acid |
| CAS number | 1303-96-4 | 10043-35-3 |
| Molecular formula | H20B4Na2O17 | H3BO3 |
| Molar mass | 381.37 g/mol | 61.83 g/mol |
| IUPAC name | disodium, 3,7-dioxido-2,4,6,8,9-pentaoxa-1,3,5,7-tetraborabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane, decahydrate | boric acid |
| EC number | 603-411-9 | 233-139-2 |
| Physical properties | ||
| Appearance | White, monoclinic crystals | Colorless, transparent crystals or white granules or powder |
| Melting point | 75 °C | 170.9 °C |
| Boiling point | 320 °C | 300 °C |
| Density | 1.73 g/cm³ | 1.5 g/cm³ |
| Solubility | In water, 5.93 × 10⁺⁴ mg/L at 25 °C | Slightly 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 word | Danger | Danger |
| Pictograms | ||
| Hazard statements |
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| Uses and classification | ||
| Uses and functions |
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| Category | Inorganic chemicals › Silicates, borates and other salts | Inorganic chemicals › Inorganic acids |
| HS code | 284019Disodium tetraborate (refined borax), other | 252800Natural borates and concentrates thereof (whether or not calcined), but not including… |
| Market on CompoundList | ||
| Suppliers | 183 suppliers | 633 suppliers |
| Supplier countries | 41 countries, most in India, United States, China | 69 countries, most in India, United States, China |
| Price rangeOnly prices set by suppliers who manage their own profile | Price on request | Price 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.
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