Boric acid
Boric acid is any chemical
compound in the form of orthoboric acid, metaboric acid, or tetraboric acid,
also called pyroboric acid. Boric acid to orthoboric acid, and these acids are
believed to be aqueous compounds of boric oxide, and these compounds are weakly
acidic, colorless, and may form triple crystals.[1]
Boric acid can be in the form of a
white or colorless, odorless powder, or in the form of a crystalline substance
with a slightly oily feel. These crystals are decomposed by heat to convert
first to metaboric acid, which later turns into perboric acid, and finally
produces boric oxide, It is reported that boric acid is naturally present in
several areas, especially in the form of deposits in hot springs, and it may
also exist in its mineral form, sassolite, and as a result of its availability
in nature, humans used it many centuries ago, for example, the Greeks used it
in sterilization, cleaning, and food preservation.[2]
It is believed that the German
chemist Wilhelm Homberg was the first to prepare boric acid in 1702 AD, where
he treated borax powder with boric acid to obtain a product he called analgesic
salt, and this salt is probably a form of boric acid, The chemical composition
of the compound was also identified in 1808 AD by French researchers (Louis
Lussac) and (Louis Thénard).[2]
Properties of boric acid
There are many physical properties
of boric acid, including: [3]
Chemical formula: BH3O3.
Molecular weight: 61.83 g/mol.
Melting point: 340 degrees Fahrenheit, which is 171 degrees Celsius.
Boiling point: 572 degrees Fahrenheit, or 300 degrees Celsius, at a pressure of 760
mm Hg.
Specific Density: 1.435 at 68°F (20°C).
Solubility in water: 10-50 mg/ml, at 66°F (18.8°C).
Whereabouts
Boric acid can be found in free
form in many volcanic areas; such as Tuscany, Lipari Island in the Italian
country, and Nevada in the United States of America, and the reason for the
presence of acid in these areas is due to the mixing of hot steam in the cracks
in the ground caused by volcanoes, and it can be found with many minerals and
chemical compounds such as borax, ulexite, And boracite, and is also found in
sea water, and with many types of plants, especially fruits. [4]
Boric acid uses
Medical: The acid is used as an antiseptic for burns and minor wounds,
protecting these areas from germs, an alternative solution to bandages,
ointments, and eye washes by mixing it with a diluted solution, and treating
bacterial vaginosis, which results due to the presence of excess alkalis, a
good treatment for acne, and a treatment for foot infections. athlete; And that
by putting acid powder in socks, and a treatment for external otitis. [5]
Insects: It is considered a good insecticide, and its first use dates back to
the year one thousand nine hundred and forty-eight, and the acid showed good
results in exterminating cockroaches, fleas, fleas, and many other insects.
Nuclear energy: Boric acid is used in some nuclear power plants as a neutron poison
(radiological or nuclear poisoning), and the acid contains boron, which reduces
the possibilities of thermal fission; This is done by absorbing some thermal
neutrons, which trigger a chain of fission reactions.
Industry: Acid is used in many industries; Such as the manufacture of glass
fibers, plastics, industrial pipes, the jewelry industry, the production of
high-quality flat LCD screens, and electroplating processes.
Lubrication: The nanoparticles present in the acid can be mixed with vegetable oil,
and this mixture forms a lubricant. This substance is placed on the surfaces of
ceramics and metals; to facilitate sliding. [5]
Fireworks: They are considered as colored in fireworks; Where it makes the
resulting color during the process to green; This is due to the solubility of
puric acid in methanol.
Agriculture: The acid contains a large proportion of boron, which plants need
during their period of abundant growth. [5]
References
1. "Boric Acid", www.encyclopedia.com, Retrieved 7-3-2018. Edited. "
2. Boric Acid", www.encyclopedia.com, Retrieved
7-3-2018. Edited.
3. BORIC ACID", www.cameochemicals.noaa.gov,
Retrieved 8-3-2018. Edited.
4. "Boric Acid", www.pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov,
Retrieved 8-3-2018. Edited.
5. "Boric Acid", www.npic.orst.edu, Retrieved
8-3-2018. Edited.
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