| Customization: | Available |
|---|---|
| CAS No.: | 10043-35-3 |
| Formula: | H3bo3 |
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Boric Acid (H3BO3)
Boric acid, also known as orthoboric acid, is a weak monobasic Lewis acid derived from boron, oxygen, and hydrogen. It is a versatile compound with applications spanning industries, medicine, and everyday products. Below is a comprehensive overview of its properties, uses, safety considerations, and environmental impact.
Chemical and Physical Properties
Chemical Formula: H3BO3 (molecular weight: 61.83 g/mol).
Appearance: Colorless, odorless crystalline solid or white powder, often forming transparent, shiny crystals.
Solubility: Moderately soluble in water (≈5 g/100 mL at 20°C), with solubility increasing significantly at higher temperatures (e.g., ≈27 g/100 mL at 100°C). Soluble in alcohols and glycerol.
Melting Point: Decomposes at ~170°C, losing water to form metaboric acid (HBO2) and eventually boric oxide (B2O3) at higher temperatures.
Acidity: Acts as a weak acid (pKa ≈ 9.14 in water), accepting hydroxide ions (OH) rather than donating protons, classifying it as a Lewis acid.
Major Applications
Healthcare and Personal Care
Antiseptic and Disinfectant:
Historically used as a mild antiseptic for eye infections (e.g., eyewash solutions) and skin irritations, though its use has declined due to toxicity concerns.
Present in some mouthwashes and cosmetics (e.g., lotions, hair products) for its antimicrobial properties, with strict concentration limits.
Insecticides:
Common ingredient inroach and ant baits. Insects ingest the powder, which disrupts their digestive systems and exoskeletons.
Industrial and Manufacturing
Glass and Ceramics:
Key component in borosilicate glass (e.g., Pyrex) for heat resistance and chemical durability.
Used in glazes and enamels to improve fusion and reduce thermal expansion in ceramics.
Flame Retardants:
Added to textiles, plastics, and wood products to inhibit combustion by forming a glassy layer that smothers fires.
Electronics:
Essential in semiconductor manufacturing for doping silicon wafers and producing LCD screens.
Agriculture and Food Industry
Fertilizer: Applied as a micronutrient to correct boron deficiency in soils, enhancing crop growth (e.g., fruits, nuts, and vegetables).
Food Preservation (Historical): Once used as a preservative, but globally banned due to toxicity risks.
Laboratory and Research
pH Buffer Solutions: Widely used in laboratories to maintain stable pH levels (e.g., pH ≈ 9.2 for borate buffers).
Biochemical Studies: Acts as an enzyme inhibitor (e.g., in ribonuclease research) and stabilizes certain biological samples.
Safety and Toxicity
Health Hazards
Acute Toxicity:
Oral ingestion of large amounts (≥20 g in adults, ≥5 g in children) can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, organ failure or coma.
Known as "borax poisoning" when absorbed through skin or mucous membranes (e.g., prolonged contact with concentrated solutions).
Chronic Exposure:
Repeated contact may lead to skin irritation, dermatitis, or cumulative toxicity affecting the liver, kidneys, and reproductive system.
Classified by the EU as a reproductive toxin (Category 1B) and a suspected carcinogen.
Environmental Impact
Ecotoxicity: High concentrations in water harm aquatic life (e.g., algae, fish) and disrupt ecosystems. The U.S. EPA sets a chronic aquatic life benchmark of ≤0.86 mg/L for boron.
Bioaccumulation: Moderate potential to accumulate in plants and animals, though not persistent in the environment.
Conclusion
Boric acid's versatility makes it indispensable in industrial and specialized applications, but its toxicity demands strict safety measures. As regulations evolve, its use in consumer products is increasingly restricted, while its role in advanced manufacturing and research remains critical. Proper handling and environmental stewardship are essential to harness its benefits while minimizing risks.
| Liquid products | Drum of 5kg ,10 kg ,25 kg ,50 kg 200 kg ,250 kg . 1000 kg IBC drum. TANK with 20 tons ,25 tons . |
| Solid products | Bag of 1 kg ,2 kg ,5 kg ,25 kg ,500kg ,1000 kg . Drum of 25 kg and 50 kg. |
Packaging can be customized according to customer requirements.
Qingdao Jinyu Chemical Co., LTD,which is located in Qingdao City, China, with registered capital of RMB 10 million, is a dynamic chemical import and export enterprise with customer demand as its own responsibility. The founder has been engaged in the chemical industry for more than 20 years. With professional technical and marketing personnel, diversified cooperative factories with synthetic technology and efficient logistics management, we provide services to customers all over the world. After years of hard work, we have selected a number of excellent chemical production cooperative enterprises in China. These enterprises have their own advantages in different chemical synthesis fields. They have passed the strict inspection of suppliers by many customers and formed a long-term and stable strategic partnership with customers. With our partners' excellent equipment, well-trained employees and mature technology, we also continue to provide customers with more products.
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