What Is Boric Acid?
Boric acid, or orthoboric acid, is a versatile, naturally occurring compound found in water, soil, and plants. Refined industrially from minerals like Ludwigite, it appears as a colorless or white crystalline substance with solubility in water and ethanol. It’s used for its antiseptic, preservative, and neutron-absorbing properties.
Uses of Boric Acid
Employed as a pest control agent, boric acid is lethal to insects when ingested. It’s also a vital boron source for plants, enhancing growth by interacting with cell wall components. Additionally, its bactericidal qualities make it useful as an eye wash and disinfectant, while its ability to absorb neutrons suits it for nuclear reactor regulation.
Properties of Boric Acid
Boric acid’s chemical structure, H3BO3, showcases a planar triangular configuration with a central boron atom. It has a melting point of 170.9°C and demonstrates weak Lewis acid characteristics. Reactivity includes forming esters with alcohols and decomposition into various forms like metaboric and pyroboric acids under heat.
Other Information on Boric Acid
Production Methods
Boric acid can be synthesized from borax through a reaction with sulfuric acid, yielding high-quality boric acid for pharmaceutical and chemical applications. Alternatively, it’s produced from borate minerals or magnesium-based borates through acidification or roasting processes, respectively.