Boric Acid - Overview
Boric acid also known as orthydrogen boratehoboric acid is chemical compund with properties of colorless and has a transparent triclinic crystal structure or white granule or powder. The boric acid chemical formula is B(OH)3.
Boric acid is popularly used among fire jugglers and fire spinners dissolved in methanol to give a deep green flame.It is also used in India and across the world to dust down Carrom boards to decrease friction and increase speed of play. It is used in pyrotechnics to prevent the amide-forming reaction between aluminum and nitrates. A small amount of boric acid is added to the composition to neutralize alkaline amides that can react with the aluminum.
Manufacturing Process
Acidification with sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid
Boric acid is produced from borax, colemanite, or other inorganic borates by reacting it with sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid. After the reaction is performed, the product/solution is cooled to proper temperature. The reaction is shown below:
Na2B4O7.10H2O + H2SO4 à 4H3BO3 + Na2SO4 + 5H2O
Na2B4O7.10H2O + HCl à 4H3BO3 + 2NaCl + 5H2
Extraction of weak borax brine
Boric acid could be produced by extracting weak borax brine with a kerosene solution of an aromatic diol. The product of diol-borate chelate formed will be separated into a kerosene phase and treatment with sulfuric acid will produce boric acid in aqueous phase. Recrystallization is performed to purifiy the boric acid produced.
The Uses of Boric Acid
Boric Acid is used in fiberglass insulation, pharmaceutical and cosmetics, nutritional supplements, flame retardants, wood preservatives and past control and other applications. Besides, there is still much more about the use of this boric acid.
Wood Preservatives & Pest Control
Boric acid is a source of boron compounds and boron could inhibit the growth of fungus and hace been demonstrated to be a reliable wood preservative.
Nutritional Supplements
Boric acid contains an amount of boron that could be added to nutritional supplements. Boron benefits in supplements as a therapeutic value in promoting bone and joint health and also preventing the arthritis symptoms.
Flame Retardant
Boric acid could inhibit the release of combustible gases from burning cellulosic materials such as wood and paper-based products. Boric acid also forms chemically bonded water to reduce combustion. Plastics, textiles, and specialty coatings also contain boric acid to avoid the damage after being exposed to flame.
Fiberglass Insulation
Boric acid helps the fiberization process of fiberglass to produce heat resistant, borosilicate, and other specialty glasses.
Pharmaceutical & Cosmetics Industry
Boric acid is a mild antiseptic that prevents the grows of microorganisms on the skin. It is also used in contact lens solutions, eye disinfectants, vaginal remedies, baby powder, anti-aging products, etc.
Other Applications
Boric acid is used in nuclear power plants to slow down the rate at which fission is occurring. By adding more boric acid to the reactor coolant which circulates through the reactor, the probability that a neutron can survive to cause fission is reduced. Therefore, boric acid concentration changes effectively regulate the rate of fissions taking place in the reactor. This is only done in Pressurized Water Reactors (PWR's).
Boric Acid Specifications
PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION
| IUPAC Name | Boric Acid |
| CAS No | 10043-35-3 |
| Formula | H3BO3 |
| Molecular Weight | 61.83 g/mol |
| H.S. Code | 2810.00.20 |
| Synonyms | Boric acid; Boracic acid; Hydrigen borate; Orthoboric acid |
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
| Appearance | White solid |
| Odor | Odorless |
| pH | 5.2 (1% sol. at 20°C) |
| Vapor Pressure | Not available |
| Vapor Density | Not available |
| Evaporation Rate | Negligible |
| Viscosity | Not applicable |
| Boiling Point | Not available |
| Freezing/Melting Point | 339°C |
| Decomposition Temperature | Not available |
| Solubility | 4.9g / 100g water at 20°C |
| Specific Gravity/Density | 1.44 (water=1) |
