Boric Acid

Product Overview

Boric acid (H₃BO₃) is a weak acid with broad utility across industrial, agricultural, and manufacturing sectors. It functions effectively as a buffering agent and pH adjuster in aqueous systems, offering reliable performance in controlled formulations. The solid is colorless and odorless, with good water solubility that enables compatibility with a wide range of process streams and cleaning formulations. Its chemical stability, low toxicity profile under regulated conditions, and well-documented handling guidelines support consistent dosing and predictable process outcomes in textile, ceramics, and chemical synthesis environments.

In addition to pH modulation, boric acid serves as a precursory material in flame retardant formulations, wood preservation schemes, and as a micronutrient carrier in certain fertilizer products. The product is manufactured to meet stringent quality specifications, including ACS Reagent Grade compliance and USP-NF monographic standards, ensuring batch-to-batch consistency for laboratory benches and industrial plant operations. Proper storage under dry, cool conditions minimizes clumping and maintains accurate dosing in high-throughput manufacturing environments.

Key Properties

• Appearance: White crystalline powder
• Odor: Odorless
• Chemical Formula: H₃BO₃
• Molecular Weight: 61.83 g/mol
• Boiling Point: N/A
• Specific Gravity (20°C): 1.435 – 1.445 (typical 1.44)
• Specific Gravity (25°C): 1.435 – 1.445 (typical 1.44)
• Solubility: Soluble in water, slightly soluble in alcohol
• Density (25°C): 1.44 g/mL
• Refractive Index (20°C): 1.47
• Water Solubility (25°C): Soluble
• Residue After Ignition: ≤0.1% (typical 0.05%)
• Chloride (Cl): ≤30 ppm (typical 10 ppm)
• Nitrate (NO₃⁻): ≤20 ppm (typical 5 ppm)
• Ammonium (NH₄⁺): ≤5 ppm (typical 1 ppm)
• Sulfate (SO₄²⁻): ≤200 ppm (typical 50 ppm)
• Phosphate (PO₄³⁻): ≤20 ppm (typical 5 ppm)
• Arsenic (As): ≤0.5 ppm (typical 0.2 ppm)
• Heavy Metals (as Pb): ≤2 ppm (typical 0.5 ppm)
• Iron (Fe): ≤1 ppm (typical 0.2 ppm)
• Copper (Cu): ≤1 ppm (typical 0.2 ppm)
• Manganese (Mn): ≤1 ppm (typical 0.2 ppm)
• Nickel (Ni): ≤1 ppm (typical 0.2 ppm)
• Lead (Pb): ≤2 ppm (typical 0.5 ppm)
• Zinc (Zn): ≤5 ppm (typical 1 ppm)
• Aluminum (Al): ≤5 ppm (typical 1 ppm)
• Chromium (Cr): ≤1 ppm (typical 0.2 ppm)
• Cobalt (Co): ≤1 ppm (typical 0.2 ppm)
• Calcium (Ca): ≤100 ppm (typical 50 ppm)
• Magnesium (Mg): ≤50 ppm (typical 20 ppm)
• Sodium (Na): ≤50 ppm (typical 20 ppm)
• Potassium (K): ≤50 ppm (typical 20 ppm)
• Substances Reducing Permanganate: Passes test (Potassium permanganate time test)
• Sulfurous Acid (H₂SO₃): ≤10 ppm (typical 2 ppm)
• Storage Stability: Shelf life 24 months from manufacture date when stored properly

Common Applications

• Application Category: pH Buffering Agent – Used in industrial processes to maintain stable pH levels, optimizing reaction rates and preventing undesirable corrosion or scale formation.
• Fertilizer Additive – Enhances nutrient availability in soil, supporting plant uptake and growth in controlled agronomic programs.
• Wood Preservative – Integrated into treatment formulations to protect wood against fungal decay and insect damage while meeting environmental standards.
• Flame Retardant – Incorporated into materials to reduce flammability without compromising mechanical properties or processability.
• Insecticide Support – Acts as a mild pest control component in agricultural systems, aiding integrated pest management strategies.
• Co-Product in Chemical Synthesis – Used as a buffering and pH adjustment agent in various synthesis workflows to stabilize intermediates.
• Glass and Ceramic Production – Serves as a buffering additive in ceramic glazes and glass manufacturing to control acidity.
• Cosmetic and Personal Care Raw Material (where permitted) – Employed in specific formulation stacks as a buffering or pH-stabilizing agent in compliance with relevant standards.

Safety Precautions

Handle Boric Acid with appropriate PPE, including gloves and eye protection, in well-ventilated areas. Store in a cool, dry place in compatibility with HDPE or glass containers; avoid metal containers and exposure to strong acids or bases to prevent reactions. Ensure containers are closed to prevent moisture uptake and clumping, and maintain controlled humidity to preserve dosing accuracy.

In case of eyewear exposure, flush eyes cautiously with water for several minutes and seek medical attention if irritation persists. For inhalation or ingestion exposure, move to fresh air and consult medical personnel if symptoms arise. Follow the SDS guidance (H319, H335) and ensure proper emergency procedures, including spill containment and disposal in accordance with local regulations and UN packaging standards.

Benefits

✔ High Purity and Consistency – ACS Reagent Grade and USP-NF compliant with tight control of trace impurities supporting reliable process performance.
✔ Balanced Solubility and Buffering Ability – Water-soluble solid that provides predictable pH control across diverse systems while minimizing corrosion risk.
✔ Low Heavy Metal Content – Meets stringent metals limits to support environmental and process safety; suitable for sensitive applications.
✔ Extended Shelf Life – 24-month shelf life when stored properly, reducing replacement frequency in production environments.