What is a borate chemical primarily made up of?

A borate chemical is primarily composed of boron and oxygen. Borates are salts or esters of boric acid, which include various compounds containing boron (B) and oxygen (O) in their molecular structure. This unique combination allows borates to exhibit specific properties and functions, particularly in pest control, where they are known for their effectiveness against wood-destroying insects such as termites. The presence of both elements is crucial in forming the stability and reactivity of borates, making them useful in various applications beyond pest control, such as glass production and fertilizers.

The other options involve elements that do not correlate with the composition of borate chemicals. For instance, carbon and nitrogen are more closely associated with organic compounds, while sodium and chlorine are found in table salt (sodium chloride). Hydrogen and sulfur combine in other chemical compounds but do not relate to borates in their structure or functions. Therefore, the composition of boron and oxygen clearly identifies borate chemicals.