Boric Acid: An Overview

What is Boric Acid?

Boric acid, also known as hydrogen borate, is a weak acid that is commonly used in a variety of applications, including as an antiseptic, pesticide, and fire retardant. It is a white, crystalline solid that is soluble in water.

Chemical Composition

The chemical formula for boric acid is H3BO3. It is a weak acid that dissociates to form hydrogen ions (H+) and borate ions (BO3-). The dissociation constant for boric acid is 5.8 x 10-10.

Physical Properties

Boric acid is a white, crystalline solid that has a density of 1.73 g/cm3 and a melting point of 171 °C. It is soluble in water, ethanol, and ether.

Uses of Boric Acid

Boric acid has a wide range of applications, including:

• As an antiseptic, boric acid is used to treat minor cuts and burns.
• As a pesticide, boric acid is used to kill insects and rodents.
• As a fire retardant, boric acid is used to prevent the spread of fire.
• Boric acid is also used in the manufacture of glass, ceramics, and other products.