perborates

Perborates are inorganic salts derived from perboric acid. The most widely used members are sodium perborate and potassium perborate, which exist in several hydrated forms (for example, sodium perborate tetrahydrate and potassium perborate monohydrate). In aqueous solution they release hydrogen peroxide as water decomposes, which accounts for their function as bleaching and oxidizing agents.

Because of their release of active oxygen, perborates function as solid bleaching agents in laundry detergents, dishwashing products, and some cleaning formulations, particularly at moderate temperatures. They are also used in textile and paper bleaching under controlled conditions. When dissolved, they gradually decompose to borates, water, and oxygen.

Production typically involves oxidation or derivatization of borate compounds with hydrogen peroxide to form the perborate anion, which is then neutralized with a suitable cation to give the solid salt.

Environmental and health considerations: boron from perborates can contribute to borate in wastewater, which can be toxic to aquatic life at elevated concentrations. Perborates are generally considered irritants if ingested or in contact with skin or eyes. Some jurisdictions regulate boron release from consumer products and encourage substitution with alternative oxidants such as sodium percarbonate, which releases hydrogen peroxide without adding boron.