Sodium metaborate

Agent Name
Sodium metaborate
CAS Number
7775-19-1
Formula
B-H-O2.Na
Major Category
Metals
Sodium metaborate formula graphical representation
Synonyms
Boric acid (HBO2), sodium salt; Borosoap; Kodalk; Sodium borate; Sodium borate (NaBO2); Boric acid, monosodium salt; Sodium metaborate, anhydrous; [ChemIDplus]
Category
Metalloid Compounds (Boron)
Description
White solid; [Merck Index] Hydrate: Cream colored powder; [MSDSonline] Commercially available as octahydrate and tetrahydrate; [HSDB]
Sources/Uses
Used in cleansers, detergents, adhesives, and photographic solutions; Also used as a fire retardant in sodium chlorate, a defoliant; a textile finishing agent, and a sequestrant; Tetrahydrate: Used as an insecticide, fungicide, nematocide, and herbicide (non-crop land, cotton production, and under asphalt); Workers in mining and processing are exposed; [HSDB]
Comments
A skin irritant; Toxic by ingestion; Oral LD50 (rat) = 2330 mg/kg; [HSDB] Also found commercially as octa- and tetrahydrate; [Hawley] No published studies on reproductive effects; See boric acid; [REPROTOX] A strong oxidizing agent; An irritant; [MSDSonline] See "Boric acid."
Biomedical References

Adverse Effects

Hepatotoxin
Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion
Nephrotoxin
Yes
Reproductive Toxin
Yes

Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent