Boron forms several commercially important compounds. The most important boron compound is sodium borate pentahydrate (Na₂B₄O₇·5H₂O). Large amounts of this compound are used in the manufacture of fiberglass insulation and sodium perborate bleach.

    The second most important compound is boric acid (H₃BO₃), which is used to manufacture textile fiberglass and is used in cellulose insulation as a flame retardant.

    Sodium borate decahydrate (Na₂B₄O₇·10H₂O), better known as borax, is the third most important boron compound. Borax is used in laundry products and as a mild antiseptic.