Boric acid, is a weak, monobasic Lewis acid of boron.
it is suggested to be tribasic acid as well.
It is often used as an antiseptic, insecticide, flame retardant, neutron absorber, or precursor to other chemical compounds.
Vhemical formula H3BO3 and exists in the form of colorless crystals or a white powder that dissolves in water.
Boric acid is found mainly in its free state in some volcanic districts: Tuscany and Nevada.
Boric acid and its salts are found in seawater. It is also found in plants, including almost all fruits.
Boric acid contributes to the absorption of low frequency sound in seawater.
Boric acid is only poisonous if taken internally or inhaled in large quantities.
Of 784 poisonings with boric acid, no fatalities were reported, and 88% of cases were asymptomatic.
Long-term exposure to boric acid is associated with kidney damage and eventually kidney failure.
Boric acid may damage the unborn child.
The primary industrial use of boric acid is in the manufacture of fiberglass.
It reduces surface oxidation and firescale from forming on metals.
It is used in the production of the glass in LCD flat TV screens.
Boric acid, mixed with borax is used as a fire retarding agent of wood by impregnation, and in the manufacturing of furnace linings and ceramics.
Boric acid can counteract the harmful effects of reactive hydrofluoric acid (HF) after an accidental contact with the skin.
Boric acid, in combination with polyvinyl alcohol or silicone oil, is used to manufacture Silly Putty,and is present as a chemical additives used for hydraulic fracturing.
It can be used as an antiseptic for minor burns or cuts.
It is sometimes used in salves and dressings, and in a very dilute solution as an eye wash, and a vaginal douche to treat bacterial vaginosis due to excessive alkalinity, and non-albicans candidiasis.
As an antibacterial compound, boric acid it is used as an acne treatment, prevent athlete’s foot, and to treat some kinds of otitis externa.
Boric acid insecticide controls cockroaches, termites, fire ants, fleas, silverfish, and many other insects.
It prevents and destroys existing wet and dry rot in timbers., and in combination with an ethylene glycol carrier treats external wood against fungal and insect attack.
Borate-based treatments can be used to prevent slime, mycelium, and algae growth, and in the curing of cattle hides, calfskins, and sheepskins.
Boric acid buffers against rising pH in swimming pools.
It is used in some nuclear power plants as a neutron poison, reducing the risk of thermal fission by absorbing some thermal neutrons.
Boric acid is used to treat or prevent boron deficiencies in plants, and corn preservation of grains such as rice and wheat.