Ortho Boric Acid

Ortho boric acid is the fully hydrated form of boric acid, H3BO3 (CAS 10043-35-3), also written as B(OH)3. The name distinguishes it from the dehydrated species that form when boric acid is heated: metaboric acid (HBO2) and, at higher temperatures, tetraboric acid and boron oxide. When purchasers search for "ortho boric acid," they are almost always specifying this standard orthoboric commercial product rather than a different chemical.

This is Technical grade granular material intended for industrial and laboratory use. It is a weak, monobasic acid that dissolves in water to give a mildly acidic solution, and it is prized for its buffering behavior, thermal stability, and compatibility with metals, glass, and ceramic systems.

• Formula: H3BO3 (orthoboric acid)
• CAS: 10043-35-3
• Form: white granular crystals

Alliance Chemical supplies boric acid as Technical grade granular, the workhorse form for industrial processing, metal finishing, and glass and ceramic applications. Technical grade delivers consistent particle size and purity suited to flux, plating, and formulation work where certified pharmaceutical or reagent purity is not required.

Granular material dissolves cleanly and meters well into batch tanks and plating baths. Choose your size based on throughput:

• 2 lb — bench work, small batches, and testing
• 5 lb — regular shop and lab use
• 50 lb — production runs and continuous processes

All sizes are the same orthoboric acid (H3BO3). If your process was written around "boric acid," "orthoboric acid," or "boracic acid," this granular product satisfies those specifications, since they name the same compound.

Ortho boric acid serves industrial applications where a weak acid, borate source, or thermal-stabilizing agent is needed. Common uses include:

• Flux for brazing and soldering — dissolves surface oxides and protects metal during high-temperature joining, often blended with borax.
• Glass and ceramics — a boron source for borosilicate glass, fiberglass, frits, glazes, and enamels, lowering thermal expansion and improving chemical durability.
• Electroplating and metal finishing — a buffering additive in nickel and other plating baths to stabilize pH and improve deposit quality.
• pH buffering — forms borate buffers in the mildly alkaline range for laboratory and process control.
• Flame retardant — used in cellulose insulation and treated materials to raise ignition resistance and reduce smolder.
• Lubricant additive — a component in certain high-temperature and dry-film lubricant formulations.

Store ortho boric acid in a cool, dry area in tightly closed original containers, away from moisture and incompatible materials. Boric acid can absorb ambient humidity and cake, so keeping bags and pails sealed preserves free-flowing granular form and accurate weighing.

Keep it separated from strong bases and strong reducing agents, and away from potassium and acetic anhydride. Elevated temperatures should also be avoided during storage, since heating drives off water and converts orthoboric acid to metaboric acid, changing its dissolution behavior.

• Store off the floor and away from drains
• Reseal partial containers promptly
• Label and date opened packaging
• Keep away from food, feed, and beverage storage

Under proper dry storage the material remains stable and usable for extended periods.

Boric acid has an indefinite practical shelf life when stored sealed in a cool, dry environment, and many users treat it as effectively non-expiring. It is a stable inorganic solid that does not oxidize or degrade chemically under normal warehouse conditions.

The main concern over time is physical caking from absorbed moisture, which affects handling rather than chemical quality. Caked material can usually be broken up and dissolves normally. To preserve free-flowing granular form:

• Keep containers tightly closed between uses
• Protect from humidity and temperature swings
• Avoid leaving open bags in damp areas

If your quality system requires a re-evaluation date, a conservative 3 to 5 year internal review interval is common, though the material itself typically remains within specification well beyond that when kept dry.

Handle ortho boric acid with skin, eye, and respiratory protection, and avoid generating or inhaling dust. Wear chemical-resistant gloves and safety goggles, and use local exhaust or a dust mask when transferring or weighing granular material.

Boric acid is classified in some jurisdictions as a reproductive toxicant based on high-dose studies, so minimizing exposure is important, particularly repeated or occupational contact. Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling, and wash hands thoroughly afterward.

• Skin/eyes: flush with water on contact; remove contaminated clothing
• Inhalation: move to fresh air if dust is inhaled
• Ingestion: do not induce vomiting; seek medical advice

Always consult the Safety Data Sheet before use and follow your facility's exposure-control program. Keep the SDS accessible in the work area.

Dispose of ortho boric acid in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations; it is not a listed RCRA hazardous waste, but waste determinations remain the generator's responsibility. Do not discharge boron-containing waste to surface water, storm drains, or septic systems, since boron can affect aquatic life and irrigation water at elevated concentrations.

For transport, boric acid is not classified as a DOT hazardous material, so it ships as standard non-hazmat ground freight. This product ships in 1-2 business days from Taylor, TX.

• Collect spills as dry solid; avoid dust and washdown to drains
• Use licensed disposal for contaminated or off-spec material
• Retain the SDS and comply with local wastewater limits

Verify local borate discharge limits, which vary by municipality and permit.