Boric acid

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Boric acid
Structural formula
Structural formula
Space-filling model
Space-filling model
Names
IUPAC names
Boric acid
Trihydrooxidoboron
Other names
Orthoboric acid,
Boracic acid,
Sassolite,
Optibor,
Borofax,
Trihydroxyborane
Identifiers
3D model (JSmol)
ChEBI
ChEMBL
ChemSpider
ECHA InfoCard 100.030.114
EC Number
  • 233-139-2
E number E284 (preservatives)
KEGG
UNII
  • OB(O)O
  • B(O)(O)O
Properties
BH3O3
Molar mass 61.83 g·mol−1
Appearance White crystalline solid
Density 1.435 g/cm3
Melting point 170.9 °C (339.6 °F; 444.0 K)
Boiling point 300 °C (572 °F; 573 K)
2.52 g/100 mL (0 °C)
4.72 g/100 mL (20 °C)
5.7 g/100 mL (25 °C)
19.10 g/100 mL (80 °C)
27.53 g/100 mL (100 °C)
Solubility in other solvents Soluble in lower alcohols
moderately soluble in pyridine
very slightly soluble in acetone
Acidity (pKa) 9.24 (see text)
Structure
Trigonal planar
Zero
Hazards
EU classification Harmful (Xn)
Repr. Cat. 2
NFPA 704

0
2
0
 
R-phrases R60 R61
S-phrases S53 S45
Flash point Non-flammable.
Related compounds
Related compounds Boron trioxide
Borax
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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Infobox references

Boric acid is an acid of Boron. Its salts are called Borates. Boric acid is used as a disinfectant. It can also be used as a preservative, it has the E number 284. Boric acid is a by-product of the production of certain forms of glass, porcelain and vitreous enamel. It is also used as a Flame retardant. Dissolved in water, it acts as a neutron absorber in nuclear power plants.

Boric acid is toxic. Damage is done from absorbing or ingesting about 50 mg, per kg of body weight.

Boric acid is one of the chemicals on the REACH list of the European Union. In 2010, the European Chemicals Agency listed it as a Substance of very high concern. Boric acid causes birth defects; it is a teratogen. This is also true for mixtures that contain boric acid in a concentration of at least 5.5%.