Borax?

[sixpack127]

I put this in another thread - then realized it should be here

Borax as a catalyst

[sixpack127]

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-borax.htm

[sixpack127]

http://www.borax.com/pdfs/dist/Profi...ecahydrate.pdf

[sixpack127]

Alternatives to Baking Soda as a Catalyst

1. Sodium Citrate which is basically citric acid - a SAFE food ingredient used in ice cream, cheese and wine. Find it on eBay Store "The Chemical Connection" ($3.99) or locally - try the local winery or ice cream factory. Might be called Citrosodine, Tri-Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid (PURE citric acid, no sugar please!), or Tri-Sodium Salt.

2. Washing Soda is a laundry detergent that might be found under the names Soda Ash, Laundry Soda, Sal Soda, or Sodium Carbonate. Used as a non-toxic all-purpose cleaner - look in the laundry section of your grocery store.

3. Borax is also used for laundry and might be known as Sodium Borate, Sodium Tetraborate, or Disodium Tetraborate.

Although non-dangerous in general, Washing Soda and Borax might be toxic if swallowed. Keep away from children!

[danser75]

So I am reading this but I don't think the citric acid would work because I may be 100% wrong but don't we need a high alkaline solution? Citric acid would make it acidic correct?

[myoldyourgold]

Dancer, electrolyte can be either alkaline or acidic. I still think that you can not beat NaOH (lye). There is more to electrolyte than just its ions.