Boric Acid
Whatsapp Order
Boric Acid, chemically known as hydrogen borate or boracic acid, is a weak, monobasic Lewis acid of boron. It appears as a white, crystalline powder or granules that are odorless and slightly soluble in water. Boric Acid is commonly used in antiseptics, insecticides, flame retardants, and as a buffering agent in various industrial and pharmaceutical applications. Due to its mild antiseptic and antifungal properties, it is often used in ophthalmic, dermatologic, and other personal care formulations. It also plays a key role in glass and ceramics manufacturing as well as in agriculture.
Categories: Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), Admixtures, Anti-Corrosion Coatings, Antiseptics and Disinfectants, Bleaching Agents, Bleaching Agents, Builders, Disinfectants and Biocides, Pesticides (Herbicides, Insecticides, Fungicides), pH Adjusters, Soil Conditioners
Tags: Antiseptic and antibacterial agent, Glass and ceramics manufacturing, Hydrogen borate, Insecticide, Mild antiseptic, pH buffer in cosmetic, Pharmaceutical ingredient, White crystalline powder
Description
Table of Contents
Toggle
Primary Uses
- Pharmaceuticals and Medical
- Used as an antiseptic for minor burns, cuts, and wounds.
- Formulated in eyewashes and solutions for treating eye infections (boric acid eye wash).
- Incorporated in antifungal powders and ointments for skin infections such as athlete’s foot and candidiasis.
- Pest Control
- Utilized as an insecticide and pesticide, particularly effective against ants, cockroaches, termites, and fleas.
- Industrial Applications
- Used in the manufacture of borosilicate glass, ceramics, and fiberglass due to its thermal and chemical resistance properties.
- Acts as a flame retardant in plastics, textiles, and cellulose insulation.
- Cosmetics and Personal Care
- Functions as a buffering agent and pH stabilizer in cosmetics and skin care products.
- Acts as an anti-fungal agent in foot powders and bath salts.
- Agriculture
- Applied as a micronutrient to supply boron, essential for plant growth and reproductive development.
Secondary Uses
- Laboratory and Analytical
- Used as a reagent and buffering agent in chemical laboratories.
- Component in buffer solutions for biological and chemical research.
- Water Treatment
- Utilized to control pH and bacterial growth in cooling towers and water systems.
- Household Products
- Ingredient in some detergents, soaps, and cleaning agents.
PRODUCT KEY FEATURES
Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): Boric acid (Hydrogen borate)
- Common/Trade Name: Boric Acid
- CAS Number: 10043-35-3
- HS Code: 2810.00.00
- Molecular Formula: H3BO3
- Synonyms:
- Orthoboric acid
- Boracic acid
- Acidum boricum
- Boron trioxide hydrate
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Crystalline powder or granules
- Color & Odor: White; odorless
- Melting Point: 169.5 °C (decomposes)
- Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
- Density: Approx. 1.435 g/cm³
- Solubility: Slightly soluble in cold water (~5.3 g/L at 25 °C); more soluble in hot water; soluble in alcohol and glycerol
- pH: Weakly acidic (pH ~5.1 in 0.1M solution)
- Vapor Pressure: Negligible
- Stability: Stable under normal conditions; decomposes at high temperature
3. Safety & Hazard Attributes
- Hazard Class (GHS):
- Eye irritant (Category 2A)
- Reproductive toxicity (Category 1B) — chronic exposure risks
- NFPA Ratings:
- Health: 2
- Flammability: 0
- Reactivity: 0
- Exposure Limits:
- OSHA PEL: Not established
- ACGIH TLV: 2 mg/m³ (inhalable dust)
- Toxicity: Low acute toxicity; chronic exposure can affect reproductive health
- Reactivity: Stable; reacts with strong bases and reducing agents
4. Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible materials (strong bases, reducing agents)
- Container Type: Sealed plastic or glass containers to prevent moisture uptake
- Shelf Life: Typically 2–3 years if stored properly
- Special Handling: Avoid dust generation; use PPE when handling powder
5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- FDA Status: Approved for limited pharmaceutical and cosmetic use with restrictions due to toxicity concerns
- Environmental Regulations: Listed under REACH; subject to workplace exposure regulations
- Transportation: Not classified as hazardous material
- Waste Disposal: Dispose in accordance with local regulations; avoid environmental release
6. Environmental & Health Impact
- Ecotoxicity: Moderate toxicity to aquatic life at high concentrations
- Persistence: Inorganic, does not biodegrade
- Bioaccumulation: Low potential for bioaccumulation
- Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic or mutagenic
- Biodegradability: Not biodegradable
SAFETY HANDLING PRECAUTIONS
Safety Handling Precautions
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Gloves
- Safety goggles
- Dust mask or respirator (when handling powder)
- Protective clothing
Handling Measures:
- Avoid inhalation, ingestion, and eye or skin contact
- Use in well-ventilated areas
- Minimize dust formation
Storage Measures:
- Keep containers tightly closed
- Protect from moisture and incompatible substances
Hygiene Practices:
- Wash hands thoroughly after handling
- Do not eat, drink, or smoke during handling
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if symptoms persist
- Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water; remove contaminated clothing
- Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical advice if irritation persists
- Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water; do not induce vomiting; seek medical attention
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Non-flammable
- Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, dry chemical, or CO₂ for surrounding fire
- Special Precautions: Firefighters should wear full protective gear and respiratory protection if needed
- Decomposition Products: May release boron oxides and toxic fumes when heated
Related products
Bronopol
Bronopol (2-Bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol) is a water-soluble, white crystalline powder or granules with a slight odor. It is a synthetic antimicrobial agent widely used as a preservative in personal care products, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and industrial applications. Bronopol exhibits broad-spectrum bactericidal and fungicidal activity, making it effective against a wide range of microorganisms. It works by releasing active formaldehyde slowly, which disrupts microbial metabolism and reproduction.
Chlorine Tablets
Chlorine Tablets are solid, compressed forms of chlorine-releasing compounds, typically composed of stabilized trichloroisocyanuric acid (TCCA) or sodium dichloroisocyanurate (SDIC). These tablets are used primarily for water disinfection and sanitation due to their controlled and sustained release of chlorine. They appear as white to off-white, hard tablets with a mild chlorine odor. Chlorine Tablets are widely used in swimming pools, drinking water treatment, wastewater treatment, and industrial sanitization processes. Their slow dissolution ensures prolonged antimicrobial activity, providing effective control against bacteria, viruses, algae, and other pathogens.
Cupric Sulphate Anhydrous
Cupric Sulphate Anhydrous (Copper(II) sulfate, anhydrous form) is a blue to green crystalline powder that is highly soluble in water. It is an inorganic compound consisting of copper, sulfur, and oxygen with the formula CuSO₄. Unlike its hydrated counterpart (CuSO₄·5H₂O), the anhydrous form contains no water molecules. It is widely used in agriculture, industry, and chemical manufacturing due to its fungicidal, algicidal, and chemical reactivity properties. The compound serves as a precursor to many copper salts and catalysts.
Distilled Water
Distilled Water is purified water that has been processed through distillation, a method involving evaporation and subsequent condensation to remove impurities, salts, minerals, and organic matter. This results in ultra-pure, clear, odorless, and tasteless water free of dissolved solids and contaminants. Distilled water is non-conductive, neutral in pH under ideal storage, and chemically stable. It is widely used across pharmaceutical, laboratory, medical, industrial, and consumer applications where high water purity is critical.
Iodine Crystals
Iodine Crystals are high-purity elemental iodine in solid crystalline form. These dark violet-black crystals have a characteristic pungent odor and sublime easily at room temperature, releasing violet iodine vapors. Iodine is a halogen element widely used for its antiseptic, oxidizing, and chemical reagent properties in pharmaceutical, industrial, and laboratory applications.
Nonylphenol Ethoxylate NPE9
Product Description
Nonylphenol Ethoxylate (NPE9) is a non-ionic surfactant belonging to the alkylphenol ethoxylate family, characterized by an average of 9 ethylene oxide units. It is widely used as a detergent, emulsifier, dispersant, and wetting agent in various industrial and commercial applications. NPE9 offers excellent cleaning power, low foaming properties, and good compatibility with other surfactants, making it a versatile ingredient in formulations such as textile processing, paints, coatings, and metal treatment.Sodium Dichloroisocyanurate (C3N3O3Cl2)
Sodium Dichloroisocyanurate (NaDCC) is a white crystalline powder used primarily as a disinfectant, sanitizer, and biocide. It is a stable, slow-releasing chlorine compound effective against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Widely applied in water treatment, swimming pool sanitation, food processing, and healthcare, it provides long-lasting antimicrobial activity. Its high chlorine content and ease of handling make it an essential chemical for hygiene and sterilization applications.
Sodium Sulphite (BLUE)
Sodium Sulphite (Blue grade) is a white to bluish-white crystalline powder with the chemical formula Na₂SO₃. The “Blue” grade indicates a specific industrial quality often containing minor additives or impurities, used primarily in water treatment and chemical industries. It acts as an effective oxygen scavenger, reducing agent, and preservative. This 25kg packaged product is highly soluble in water, forming alkaline solutions, and is widely used in pulp and paper, water treatment, textile, and photographic industries.