Boric Acid

Chemical Description

Boric acid is a crystalline compound derived from borax. It is a naturally occurring compound made up of boron, oxygen, and hydrogen. The crystals are white and odorless and are very soluble in water and somewhat soluble in other solvents. Boric acid is a weak, monobasic Lewis acid of boron.

Common Industrial Uses of Boric Acid

As a solution, boric acid is a mild antiseptic and also inhibits the growth of microorganisms making it a common ingredient in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Many consumer items use boric acid as a flame retardant because it inhibits the release of combustible gases from materials such as wood, cotton, and paper products.

Heat resistant glass relies on boric acid to increase its chemical and temperature resistance. Consumer and industrial products incorporate boric acid for resilience and safety. Fiberglass manufacturers use boric acid to help with the fiberization process of insulation products and textile fiberglass that is used in many applications including circuit boards and skis.

Boric acid is also widely used in pest control applications, as a wood preservative, as a water softener, and in metallurgy to harden and treat steel alloys as well as aid in metal plating applications and materials. Boric acid is also commonly used as a cross-linker in the Oil & Gas industry

Boric Acid in the Oil & Gas Industry

Chemical Formula

  • H3BO3

CAS No.

  • 10043-35-3

Minimum Order Quantity

(40,000 pounds)

Note: CCUSA is a wholesale industrial and commercial bulk chemical supplier.

Safety Considerations

Boric acid is considered to be a health hazard to humans and is poisonous if ingested or inhaled in large quantities. It is recommended that personal protective equipment include eye shields, full-face particle respirator, and gloves. Respiratory and kidney damage is possible in prolonged exposure.

Common Names / Also Known as

  • Hydrogen borate
  • Boracic acid
  • Orthoboric acid
  • Acidum boricum

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