Introduction

CAS: 10043-35-3

EC No.: 233-139-2

Alternative names:  Acidum Boricum, Orthoboric acid, Boracic acid, Sassolite, Optibor, Borofax.

Uses of Boric Acid

Industrial

Used in Nuclear Power plants to slow the rate of fission. In the jewelry industry to is used in combination with denatured alcohol to reduce surface oxidation. Also used in the production of glass for flat panel displays. Boric Acid is also used in electroplating. Used in the manufacture of remming mass – a fine silica powder used for the production of induction furnace linings and ceramics.

Insecticide

Used to control insects – cockroaches, termites, ants etc.
Safe for use in households and kitchens.

Preservation

In combination as an insecticide, Boric Acid can prevent and destroy wet and dry rot.

Lubrication

Used in suspension in petroleum and vegetable oil to lubricate ceramic and metal surfaces.

Medicine

As an antiseptic for minor burns, cuts and dressings; anti-bacterial compound in acne treatment. Boric Acid is also used to treat yeast and fungal infections.

Miscellaneous

Silly Putty, TBE buffer, DNA & RNA polyacrylamide, pyrotechnics – preventing amide-forming reactions, dissolves in methanol to produce green flames on ignition, added to salt in the curing of cattle hides, calf skins and sheep skins – controlling bacteria and insects.Boric Acid Specification Sheet

Specification

Specification for Boric Acid is attached in PDF format.

Boric Acid Specification Sheet

Size Distribution

MSDS Safety Information

General Information

Synonyms:  basilit B, boracic acid, orthoboric acid, boron trihydroxide, borofax, bortrac, Dia flea-mate, flea prufe, trihydroxyborane, trihydroxyborone, three elephant, hydrogen orthoborate, NCI-C56417, sassolite, Acidum boricum

Physical Data

Appearance: colourless or white odourless crystalline solid
Melting point: 171 C
Boiling point: ca. 300 C (decomposes)
Specific gravity: 1.44
Vapour pressure: 2.6 mm Hg at 20 C
Water solubility: 63.5 g/l at 30 C

Stability

Stable. Non-flammable. Reacts violently with potassium, acid anhydrides. Incompatible with water, strong bases, alkali metals. Moisture sensitive. Hygroscopic.

Toxicology

Non-hazardous according to directive 67/548/EEC.

ORL-RAT LD50 2660 mg kg-1
ORL-MAN LDLO 429 mg kg-1
ORL-WMN LDLO 200 mg kg-1
ORL-MUS LD50 3450 mg kg-1
SCU-MUS LD50 1740 mg kg-1
IVN-MUS LD50 1240 mg kg-1
IHL-RAT LCLO 28 mg/m3/4h

Personal protection

Minimize exposure.
Safety phrases: S22 S26 S36 S37 S38 S45.