Uses of Sodium Perborate
Sodium perborate, also known as metaborate peroxyhydrate or perboric acid, is a colorless, odorless, crystalline, water-soluble chemical compound prepared through the reaction between sodium hydroxide, hydrogen peroxide and sodium tetraborate. Sodium perborate is a perfect bleaching agent in the detergent industry because it has a high dissolution rate in water, high available oxygen content and high heat stability. Sodium perborate is also a solid source of nascent oxygen because at higher temperature it liberates active oxygen.
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Bleaching and Cleaning Agent
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Sodium perborate is extensively used in the laundry industry as a cleaning and bleaching agent because it is a source of oxygen in many cleaning products and laundry detergents. Its oxidative power improves the cleaning, bleaching and stain-removal performance of powdered detergents. Sodium perborate is available as a cheap crystalline reagent in grocery stores. On reacting with water, it decomposes into hydrogen peroxide and borax. Hydrogen peroxide acts as a strong bleaching agent, and its action is further augmented by the alkaline solution that is also produced during the reaction. Sodium perborate produces more hydrogen peroxide than borax when it reacts with water, although borax has similar bleaching properties. Thus, sodium perborate provides most of the functional benefits of liquid hydrogen peroxide.
Laboratory Reagent
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Sodium perborate is used as an alternative to the unstable, highly concentrated hydrogen peroxide solution that is used as a laboratory reagent in organic synthesis. Sodium perborate is stable and safe in handling compared with hydrogen peroxide, which poses serious explosion hazard and is commercially unavailable. Sodium perborate also supersedes hydrogen peroxide for the oxidation of Kabalka and organoboranes because hydrogen peroxide sometimes creates pretty harsh conditions and is unsuitable for many functions groups.
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Tooth-Beaching Agent
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Sodium perborate is now used in most tooth-bleaching formulas. Previously, hydrogen peroxide was used in the treatment of discolored nonvital teeth, but because its use has sometimes been associated with external gum resorption, it is increasingly being replaced by sodium perborate.
Micronutrient
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Sodium perborate, when mixed with water, decomposes to natural boron. Boron is an important trace element for the healthy growth of plants. However, it can be detrimental to boron-sensitive plants if used in too-large quantities. So care must be exercised to minimize the amount of sodium perborate products used in plants.
Disinfectant
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Sodium perborate has antiseptic properties, so it can be used as a disinfectant. Sodium perborate is also used in a few brands of eyedrops as a "disappearing" preservative.
Sodium Chloride Preparation
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Sodium chloride, which is found in the commercial product Textone, is prepared from sodium perborate.
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