Boric Acid, also known as hydrogen borate, boracic acid, and orthoboric acid, is a naturally occurring weak acid containing boron, oxygen, and hydrogen. Its chemical formula is H3BO3 and its CAS number is 10043-35-3. It presents as white, odorless crystals or a fine white powder that dissolves readily in water. Boric acid is one of the most widely produced borates in the world and is used across the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, agricultural, glass manufacturing, flame retardant, and wood preservation industries.
Boric Acid is typically supplied as a white crystalline powder or granules and is available in bulk quantities, as well as bags, drums, and custom packaging options depending on application requirements.
Contact The Chemical Company for current packaging options, lead times and supply chain updates.
Boric Acid (H3BO3) is a white, odorless, crystalline solid that is slightly soluble in water and soluble in alcohol. When occurring as a mineral, it is known as sassolite. It is found in its native form in certain volcanic regions such as Tuscany, the Lipari Islands, and Nevada, typically mixed with steam from fissures in the ground. Borates — the general term for boron-containing minerals including borax and boric acid — most commonly originate in dried salt lakebeds in arid regions such as Death Valley, Turkey, China, and the Andes Mountains of South America.
Boric acid is a weak acid and a mild antiseptic. It inhibits the growth of microorganisms on external surfaces of the body, making it a common ingredient in pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations. It is also recognized as a precursor to a wide range of chemical compounds used across industrial manufacturing.
In glass and fiberglass manufacturing, boric acid is used to increase the chemical and temperature resistance of borosilicate and specialty glasses, including laboratory glassware, ovenware, and halogen light bulbs. It also aids in the fiberization process of fiberglass used in insulation, circuit boards, and composite materials.
As a flame retardant, boric acid inhibits the release of combustible gases from burning cellulosic materials such as cotton, wood, and paper, and releases chemically bonded water to further reduce combustion. It is used in futons, mattresses, insulation, gypsum board, plastics, and textiles.
Boric acid is produced commercially by the reaction of borax with a mineral acid such as sulfuric or hydrochloric acid, or by the acidification of naturally occurring borate minerals.
The more that is learned about the beneficial properties of boric acid, the more it is being used in a wide range of consumer and industrial products. Some common examples are:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Boric Acid |
| CAS Number | 10043-35-3 |
| Molecular Formula | H₃BO₃ |
| Appearance | White crystalline powder or granules |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Solubility | Slightly soluble in water; soluble in alcohol |
| Melting Point | 171°C |
| Boiling Point | 300°C (decomposes) |
| pH | 3.8–4.8 (0.1 M solution) |
| Stability | Stable under normal storage conditions |
Boric Acid is available in a range of packaging formats to meet your operational needs:
Custom packaging and supply solutions are available based on your application and volume requirements.
Boric Acid is used across a wide range of industries including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, glass manufacturing, flame retardants, wood preservation, pest control, and metallurgy. Common applications include antiseptic formulations, contact lens solutions, fiberglass production, and insect control products.
No. Boric Acid (H3BO3) and Borax (sodium tetraborate) are both boron-containing compounds but are chemically distinct. Borax is a salt of boric acid and is commonly used as a cleaning agent and laundry booster. Boric acid is a weak acid used more widely in pharmaceutical, industrial, and pest control applications.
The CAS number for Boric Acid is 10043-35-3.
Boric Acid is considered low in acute toxicity but should not be ingested or inhaled in significant quantities. It can cause irritation to skin, eyes, and the respiratory tract with prolonged exposure. Appropriate personal protective equipment should be worn when handling the material in industrial or concentrated form.
Boric Acid occurs naturally in volcanic regions and is found in dried salt lakebeds in arid areas such as Death Valley in California, Turkey, China, and the Andes Mountains. It is also present in seawater, plants, and most fruits. Commercially, it is produced by reacting borax or naturally occurring borate minerals with a mineral acid.
Boric Acid is available in bags, drums, and bulk quantities depending on your volume and application requirements. Contact The Chemical Company for current packaging options, lead times, and supply chain updates.
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