Chemical properties and appearance 

• Physical form : White crystals or powder, colorless and transparent, with a luster.

• Solubility : Easily soluble in water; aqueous solution is weakly alkaline.

• Stability : It easily loses its water of crystallization and weathers when exposed to air. 

Main uses 

• Glass industry : The largest user, it increases the transparency, thermal stability and impact resistance of glass, and is a key raw material for manufacturing heat-resistant glass (Pyrex).

• Detergent : Used as a filler to enhance the washing effect.

• Metallurgy : Used as a flux to remove oxides from metal surfaces.

• Pharmaceuticals/Daily Chemicals : Used as a preservative, disinfectant, mouthwash, and ointment ingredient (for external use), such as for oral ulcers and athlete's foot.

• Agriculture : Manufacturing pesticides (herbicides).

• Other : fireproof materials, flame retardants, buffer solutions, pesticides.