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Send EmailBoric Acid, Orthoboric Acid, Boron Acid, Boron Hydroxide, Boron Trihydroxide, Homberg Salt, 10043-35-3, 11113-50-1
Boric Acid
1. Product Identity
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Boric Acid |
| CAS Number | 10043-35-3 |
| EINECS Number | 233-139-2 |
| Molecular Formula | H₃BO₃ |
| Molecular Weight | 61.83 g/mol |
| Chemical Name | Orthoboric acid |
| IUPAC Name | Trihydroxyborane |
2. Synonyms and Other Names
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Boracic acid | Common English name |
| Orthoboric acid | IUPAC name |
| Boron trihydroxide | Chemical description |
| Borofax | Trade name |
| Trihydroxyborane | Alternative chemical name |
| Boric acid (H3BO3) | Chemical name |
| Boron hydroxide | Chemical description |
| Homberg's salt | Historical name |
| Eye wash chemical | Application description |
| Hydrogen orthoborate | Alternative chemical name |
| Basilit B | Trade name |
| Optibor | Trade name |
| BorActin | Trade name |
| Niban | Trade name (pesticide) |
| Roach Prufe | Trade name (pesticide) |
| Flea Prufe | Trade name (pesticide) |
| NSC 81726 | NSC code |
3. Product Description
Boric acid is a naturally occurring boron compound, also known as sodium borate. It is generally found in powder or granular form and is soluble in water. It exhibits mild antiseptic, antifungal, and antiviral properties. Turkey holds the majority of the world's boron reserves.
Key Characteristics:
-
Odorless, white crystalline solid
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Soluble in water (more soluble in hot water)
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Slightly bitter taste
-
Weak acidic character
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Stable chemical structure
4. Physical and Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White crystalline powder |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Taste | Slightly bitter |
| Molecular Weight | 61.83 g/mol |
| Density | 1.435 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 171 °C |
| Boiling Point | 360 °C |
| Solubility in Water (25°C) | 5.74 g/100 g water |
| Solubility in Hot Water | Higher solubility in hot water |
| Solubility in Methanol (25°C) | 173.9 g/L |
| Vapor Pressure (20°C) | Negligible |
| pKa | 9.24 |
| Log P | Low (hydrophilic) |
| Stability | Stable under normal conditions; decomposes above 100°C |
| NFPA 704 | Health: 1, Flammability: 0, Reactivity: 0 |
5. Thermal Behavior
| Temperature | Behavior |
|---|---|
| Up to 100°C | Stable in air |
| Above 100°C | Begins to decompose |
| Upon Heating | Forms boric anhydride and water |
6. Production Process
Boric acid is obtained from boron minerals, primarily colemanite. Turkey possesses the majority of the world's boron reserves.
Main Production Method:
| Reactant | Reaction | Products |
|---|---|---|
| Colemanite + Sulfuric Acid | 2Ca₂B₆O₁₁·5H₂O + 4H₂SO₄ + 17H₂O → 4CaSO₄·2H₂O + 6H₃BO₃ | Boric Acid + Gypsum |
Production Stages:
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Crushing and grinding of ore
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Reaction with sulfuric acid
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pH control and temperature adjustment
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Filtration to separate gypsum
-
Crystallization and purification
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Drying and packaging
7. Applications and Uses
7.1. Cleaning and Detergent Industry
| Application | Function |
|---|---|
| Natural Cleaner | In natural cleaning products |
| Detergent Additive | Common component in detergents |
7.2. Pesticides and Pest Control
| Application | Function |
|---|---|
| Insecticide | Control of ants, cockroaches, termites, wasps |
| Powder Form | Drying effect on insect exoskeletons |
| Selective Action | Targets unwanted insects |
| Dehydration | Causes insects to lose water |
7.3. Glass and Ceramic Industry
| Application | Function |
|---|---|
| Glass Production | In the production of heat-resistant glass |
| Ceramic Glazes | In pottery, earthenware, and porcelain glazes |
| Enamel | Component in enamel production |
| Heat Resistance | Increases heat resistance of glass |
7.4. Metal Processing and Metallurgy
| Application | Function |
|---|---|
| Solder Paste | In metal soldering |
| Steel Hardening | In hardening of steel alloys |
| Metal Processing | In processing of metal alloys |
| Electrolysis Baths | In electrolysis applications |
7.5. Wood Preservation
| Application | Function |
|---|---|
| Fungicide | Prevents fungal growth in wood |
| Cellulose Protection | Prevents cellulose release during combustion |
| Flame Retardant | Prevents fire spread |
7.6. Pharmaceutical and Medical Applications
| Application | Function |
|---|---|
| Alkalizing Agent | Pharmaceutical alkalizing agent |
| Antiseptic | Inhibits microorganism growth on body surfaces |
| Vaginal Infections | In recurrent vaginal infections, bacterial vaginosis, candidiasis |
| Eye Wash | For eye infections and irritations |
| Antifungal | In fungal infections |
| Hemorrhoid Treatment | In sitz baths with magnesium sulfate |
| Contact Lens Solution | In contact lens solution production |
7.7. Chemical Laboratories
| Application | Function |
|---|---|
| Buffering Agent | As pH buffer |
| pH Indicator | Shows weak acid character |
7.8. Cosmetics and Personal Care
| Application | Function |
|---|---|
| Preservative | Antimicrobial in water-based products, nail polishes |
| Deodorant | In deodorant products |
| Play Dough | Hardening additive |
7.9. Agriculture
| Application | Function |
|---|---|
| Boron-Molybdenum Fertilizers | Boric acid + Sodium Molybdate / Ammonium Molybdate |
| Micronutrient | Essential boron source for plants |
| Fungicide | Prevents fungal infections in plants |
| Insecticide | As pesticide in agriculture |
7.10. Industrial Applications
| Application | Function |
|---|---|
| Fiberglass Production | Viscosity reducer, reduces crystallization, increases durability |
| Insulation Materials | In thermal and acoustic insulation |
| Oil and Gas | Main component in hydraulic fracturing fluids |
| Nuclear Reactors | Additive in cooling water |
| Grease Production | With lithium hydroxide and stearic acid for advanced grease |
| Boron Compounds | Intermediate in production of other boron salts |
8. Safety and Toxicology
8.1. Health Effects
| Exposure | Effect |
|---|---|
| High Dose | Toxic effects, adverse effects on nervous system, coma, death |
| Skin Contact | Dermatitis, burning, skin reactions like boils |
| Eye Contact | Irritation |
| Inhalation | Respiratory tract irritation |
8.2. Antibacterial and Antimicrobial Properties
| Microorganism | Effect |
|---|---|
| Staphylococcus aureus | Effective |
| Listeria monocytogenes | Effective |
| Fungi | Antifungal effect |
| Viruses | Antiviral effect |
8.3. Carcinogenicity
| Assessment | Status |
|---|---|
| In vitro Studies | Potential anti-proliferative effects |
| Conclusive Result | Further research needed |
9. Safety Precautions
| Precaution | Description |
|---|---|
| Personal Protective Equipment | Protective gloves, lab coat, goggles |
| Keep Away from Children | Store out of reach of children |
| Ventilation | Use in well-ventilated areas |
| Storage | Store in cool, dry areas away from environment |
| Skin Contact | Wash with plenty of water, seek medical attention if necessary |
| Eye Contact | Rinse with plenty of water, seek medical attention if necessary |
| Environmental Protection | Do not dispose of carelessly; follow EPA regulations |
10. Environmental Impact
| Impact | Description |
|---|---|
| Natural Occurrence | Naturally found in the earth's crust |
| Industrial Release | Local high concentrations due to boron mining and industrial waste |
| Toxicity | Toxic to water, soil, and ecosystems at high concentrations |
| Plants | Can negatively affect plant growth and productivity |
| Aquatic Ecosystems | Harmful to aquatic animals and fish |
11. Nanotechnology Applications
| Application | Function |
|---|---|
| Nanomaterial Synthesis | As additive |
| Surface Modification | Regulates surface of nanomaterials in powder form |
| Nano Crystals | Used in electronics and pharmaceutical sectors |
| Oxidation Control | Regulates oxygen distribution and interaction |
| 3D Modeling | More precise and controlled modeling |
12. Comprehensive List of Synonyms
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Boric acid (H3BO3) | Chemical name |
| Boracic acid | Common English name |
| Orthoboric acid | IUPAC name |
| Boron trihydroxide | Chemical description |
| Borofax | Trade name |
| Orthoboric acid (B(OH)3) | Alternative notation |
| Orthoboric acid (H3BO3) | Alternative notation |
| Trihydroxyborane | Chemical description |
| Dr.'s 1 Flea Terminator DFPBO | Trade name (pesticide) |
| Dr.'s 1 Flea Terminator DF | Trade name (pesticide) |
| Dr.'s 1 Flea Terminator DT | Trade name (pesticide) |
| Flea Prufe | Trade name (pesticide) |
| Super Flea Eliminator | Trade name (pesticide) |
| Dia Flea-Mate | Trade name (pesticide) |
| Dr.'s 1 Flea Terminator DTPBO | Trade name (pesticide) |
| Basilit B | Trade name |
| NSC 81726 | NSC code |
| Roach Away | Trade name (pesticide) |
| CB BORiD | Trade name |
| Roach Prufe | Trade name (pesticide) |
| Niban-FG | Trade name (pesticide) |
| Optibor | Trade name |
| Boric acid | Basic name |
| Niban Granular Bait | Trade name (pesticide) |
| Bushwhacker | Trade name |
| Entimaden | Trade name |
| Niban | Trade name (pesticide) |
| Nitrate balancer | Application description |
| Optibor TP | Trade name |
| Boron hydroxide (B(OH)3) | Chemical description |
| PS 1002 | Trade code |
| BorActin | Trade name |
13. Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is boric acid and what is it used for? | It is a white crystalline inorganic substance with antiseptic, antifungal, and astringent properties. It is used in the treatment of bacterial infections, fungal diseases, and some vaginal infections. |
| What conditions does boric acid help with? | It is used in conditions such as conjunctivitis, dermatitis, boils, recurrent vaginal infections, and candidiasis. |
| What types of insects is boric acid effective against? | It is effective in eliminating insects such as ants, cockroaches, and silverfish. |
| What should be considered when using boric acid? | Consult a healthcare professional, follow dosage and application instructions carefully, and avoid exceeding recommended amounts. |
| Can boric acid be found in pharmacies? | Yes, it can be found in most pharmacies. The price range may vary by region and brand. |
| How should boric acid be applied? | It varies depending on the type and location of the infection. There are specific usage instructions for each situation, and professional medical advice is needed. |
14. Summary
Boric Acid (CAS: 10043-35-3) is a naturally occurring boron compound with molecular formula H₃BO₃ and molecular weight 61.83 g/mol. It is a white crystalline powder, odorless with a slightly bitter taste. It is soluble in water (more soluble in hot water) and exhibits weak acidic character.
Key Physical Properties:
-
Melting point: 171°C
-
Boiling point: 360°C
-
Density: 1.435 g/cm³
-
pKa: 9.24
Main Application Areas:
-
Cleaning: Natural cleaner, detergent additive
-
Pesticide: Insecticide (ants, cockroaches, termites)
-
Glass and Ceramics: Heat-resistant glass, ceramic glazes, enamel
-
Metal Processing: Solder paste, steel hardening
-
Wood Preservation: Fungicide, flame retardant
-
Pharmaceutical: Antiseptic, antifungal, eye wash, vaginal infection treatment
-
Cosmetics: Preservative, deodorant, play dough
-
Agriculture: Boron-molybdenum fertilizers, micronutrient
-
Industrial: Fiberglass, insulation, oil extraction, nuclear reactors, grease production
Safety:
May be toxic in high doses. Irritating upon skin and eye contact. Use appropriate protective equipment, keep away from children, use in well-ventilated areas.
Environmental Impact:
Naturally occurring, but can be toxic to water, soil, and ecosystems at high concentrations. May negatively affect plant growth and aquatic life.
