What is K2B4O7? Important knowledge about K2B4O7.

1. Definition of K₂B₄O₇

K₂B₄O₇, also known as borax or tetraborate decahydrate, is a salt of potassium and borate. In English, it is commonly referred to as potassium tetraborate. The molecular structure of K₂B₄O₇ comprises two potassium atoms, four boron atoms, and seven oxygen atoms. Its atomic weight is 153.806 grams/mol. K₂B₄O₇ forms ions through dissociation, yielding two potassium ions and one tetraborate ion.

2. Properties: K₂B₄O₇

The physical properties of K₂B₄O₇ are often described as a white, odorless solid that dissolves in water to produce a solution with a neutral pH. In terms of chemical properties, K₂B₄O₇ can react with acids to form borate salts and react with water to produce borax.

3. Typical chemical reactions with K₂B₄O₇

K₂B₄O₇ commonly reacts with acids to form borate salts, for example: K₂B₄O₇ + 2HCl -> 2KCl + H₃BO₃. K₂B₄O₇ can also react with water to form borax, for example: K₂B₄O₇ + 5H₂O -> Na₂[B4O5(OH)4]*8H2O.

4. Synthesis of K₂B₄O₇

In practice, the synthesis of K₂B₄O₇ is not commonly performed in the laboratory. However, it can be industrially produced from borax and potassium hydroxide: Na₂B₄O₇*10H₂O + 2KOH + 10H₂O -> K₂B₄O₇ + 2NaOH.