Sodium perborate (NaBO₃) is a white granular powder inorganic compound soluble in acids, alkalis and glycerol, but slightly soluble in water. It is mainly used as an oxidant, disinfectant, fungicide, mordant, deodorant, electroplating solution additive, etc.

Another form of sodium perborate is tetrahydrate (NaBO3·4H2O), which is a white monoclinic crystalline particle or powder. This form of sodium perborate is also soluble in acids, alkalis and glycerol, slightly soluble in water, and its aqueous solution is alkaline. Sodium perborate tetrahydrate will decompose and release oxygen at 40 °C or humid air, and at 63 °C, it will dissolve in its own crystal water and decompose, and form a viscous solid mass. Above 70°C, it loses 3 crystalline water to form monohydrate. In the case of high temperature and the presence of free base, sodium perborate tetrahydrate is easy to decompose. When it reacts with dilute acids, hydrogen peroxide is produced. It is also susceptible to catalytic decomposition by other substances such as lead oxide, manganese dioxide, potassium permanganate, silver nitrate, copper oxide, cobalt oxide and platinum black.

Sodium perborate is a versatile inorganic compound that has uses shown as below:

1. Oxidant: Due to its strong oxidizing properties, sodium perborate is often used as an oxidant in chemical reactions.

2. Disinfectants and sanitizers: It can be used as disinfectants and sanitizers, especially in the field of cleaning and hygiene.

3. Mordant: In the textile industry, sodium perborate can be used as a mordant to help the dye be better fixed on the fiber.

4. Deodorant: Sodium perborate is also used as a deodorant due to its ability to absorb and neutralize odors.

5. Electroplating solution additives: In the electroplating process, sodium perborate can be used as an additive for electroplating solution to improve the electroplating effect.

6. Other applications: Sodium perborate can also be used as a detergent additive, bleaching agent, fire treatment agent for paper and wood, etc.