Boric acid (H3BO3)-Powder

Characteristic

Boric acid, also called hydrogen borate, boracic acid, and orthoboric acid is a weak, monobasic Lewis acid of boron. However, some of its behaviour towards some chemical reactions suggest it to be tribasic acid in Bronsted sense as well.It has the chemical formula H₃BO₃ (sometimes written B(OH)₃), and exists in the form of colorless crystals or a white powder that dissolves in water. When occurring as a mineral, it is called sassolite.

Chemical formula:BH₃O₃

Molar mass:61.83 g·mol−1

Appearance:White crystalline solid

Density:1.435 g/cm³

Melting point:170.9 °C (339.6 °F; 444.0 K)

Boiling point:300 °C (572 °F; 573 K)

Solubility in water:2.52 g/100 mL (0 °C);4.72 g/100 mL (20 °C);5.7 g/100 mL (25 °C);19.10 g/100 mL (80 °C);27.53 g/100 mL (100 °C)

Solubility in other solvents:Soluble in lower alcohols;moderately soluble in pyridine;very slightly soluble in acetone

log P:-0.29

Acidity (pKa):9.24, 12.4, 13.3 Conjugate base Borate

Magnetic susceptibility (χ):-34.1·10−6 cm³/mol

Application

It is used as a primary or adjunct buffer in swimming pools, flame retardant, neutron absorber in nuclear power plants, colorant to make flame green, preservative in urine samples, welding flux in combination with borax, or precursor to other chemical compounds. It is used to prevent/remove existing wet and dry rot in timbers, treat wood against fungal/insect attack, prevent athleteÂ’s foot, lubricate carom boards, and reduce surface oxidation on metals at high temperatures. It can be used to produce lubricant for ceramic or metal surfaces, textile fiberglass, induction furnace linings and ceramics, Silly Putty, and glass LCD flat panel displays. It can prevent the high temperature reaction of aluminum with nitrates in pyrotechniques, and neutralize active hydrofluoric acid.