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Chemistry Forums for Students => High School Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: FilipinoAndy on December 11, 2009, 01:14:50 AM

Title: is sodium borate the same as anhydrous borax?
Post by: FilipinoAndy on December 11, 2009, 01:14:50 AM

I find multiple formulas under the search "sodium borate," but i'm not sure whether the formula should inlclude water or not. so is sodium borate EXACTLY the same as anhydrous borax? (this is for a project, and I find sodium borate in the ingredients list for my contact solution: Opti-Free Replenish)

Title: Re: is sodium borate the same as anhydrous borax?
Post by: AWK on December 11, 2009, 01:54:53 AM

No, these are different compounds though sometimes term borates is used for all salts of boric acids

Title: Re: is sodium borate the same as anhydrous borax?
Post by: FilipinoAndy on December 11, 2009, 02:17:33 AM

so should i go with the formula that excludes water?

Title: Re: is sodium borate the same as anhydrous borax?
Post by: AWK on December 11, 2009, 04:38:23 AM

Quote from: FilipinoAndy on December 11, 2009, 02:17:33 AM

so should i go with the formula that excludes water?

Why?
if salts are anhydrous write down formulas without water. For hydrates use formulas with water.