Comparing E210 - Benzoic acid vs E285 - Sodium tetraborate (borax)
Overview
Synonyms
Products
Found in 386 products
Found in 13 products
Search rank & volume
Awareness score
Search volume over time
Interest over time for 2 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Interest over time for 6 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Popular questions
Is benzoic acid soluble in water?
Only sparingly—about 3 g per liter at room temperature; its solubility increases in hot water and it dissolves readily in many organic solvents.
Is benzoic acid polar?
It has a polar carboxyl group but a nonpolar aromatic ring, so overall it’s only weakly polar; its benzoate salt is much more polar and water‑soluble.
Is benzoic acid a strong acid?
No—it's a weak acid, with a pKa of about 4.2.
What is the melting point of benzoic acid?
About 122–123 °C (251–253 °F).
Is benzoic acid bad for you?
At approved food levels it’s considered safe, with an ADI of 0–5 mg/kg body weight/day; some people may experience irritation or hypersensitivity, and benzene formation in certain acidic drinks is monitored and kept very low.
How to make slime without borax?
Mix 2 parts cornstarch with 1 part water (add a drop of food coloring) to make a simple borax-free “oobleck”; adjust ratios to change firmness. Other borate-free options include gelatin- or psyllium-fiber-based slimes.
Is borax toxic?
Yes—borax (sodium tetraborate) can irritate skin/eyes and is harmful if swallowed; chronic high exposure to boron compounds is linked to reproductive toxicity. It’s not permitted as a food additive in the EU or US, so keep it away from food and children.
What is borax used for?
It’s used in detergents/cleaners, laboratory buffers, flame retardants, metal fluxes, and as an insecticide; in food it was historically used as a preservative/firming agent but this use is largely banned.
Does borax kill ants?
Yes—when mixed into a sugar or protein bait, small amounts of borax are carried back to the colony and kill ants over time; place baits carefully and keep them away from children and pets.
How to make slime with borax?
Dissolve 1 teaspoon borax in 1 cup warm water; in another bowl mix 4 oz white glue with 1/2 cup water and coloring, then slowly add the borax solution while stirring until it gels and knead. Do not ingest, avoid contact with eyes, and wash hands after use (gloves if sensitive).