Boric Acid Extra Pure

SHORT DESCRIPTION

Boric Acid Extra Pure is a high-purity, white crystalline powder commonly used in laboratory settings for analytical chemistry, buffer preparation, and microbiological applications. It acts as a mild acid and is frequently employed in the formulation of buffer solutions, particularly in electrophoresis and biochemical assays. In coordination chemistry and material science research, it is utilized as a source of boron and as a precursor for borate compounds. Its antifungal and antiseptic properties also make it useful in pharmaceutical and antimicrobial testing. The extra pure grade ensures excellent purity, low moisture content, and consistent performance in sensitive experimental conditions. It should be stored in a cool, dry place in tightly sealed containers, away from incompatible substances such as strong bases.

USES

Primary Uses 

1. Buffer Component in Biochemical and Analytical Systems
   • Used with borax or sodium hydroxide to prepare buffer solutions in chromatography, electrophoresis, and enzyme assays.
2. Precursor for Borate Complexes
   • Serves as a boron source in preparing borate complexes for coordination chemistry or in materials research.
3. Reagent in Flame Tests
   • Used in flame coloration tests as it imparts a characteristic green color, aiding in demonstrations or qualitative metal ion detection.
4. Standard in Acid-Base Titration
   • Acts as a primary standard acid in titrating strong bases like NaOH, especially in non-aqueous titration methods or weak base titrations.

Secondary Uses

1. Glass and Ceramic Research
   • Incorporated into experimental glass or enamel compositions due to its role in reducing melting points and improving glass stability.
2. Microbiological Applications
   • Occasionally used as a mild antiseptic or preservative in culture media, especially in plant tissue culture.
3. Thermal Decomposition Studies
   • Used in thermal analysis to study endothermic dehydration behavior and decomposition kinetics.
4. Preparation of Electrode Solutions
   • Used in electrochemical studies for preparing borate-based electrolytes or modifying pH in electrode calibration solutions.

 KEY ATTRIBUTES

1. Basic Identification Attributes

• Product Name: Boric Acid Extra Pure
• Other Names: Hydrogen Borate, Boracic Acid, Orthoboric Acid
• Chemical Formula: H₃BO₃
• CAS Number: 10043-35-3
• HS Code: 2810.00.20
• Grade: Extra Pure (analytical reagent grade, suitable for laboratory use)

2. Physical & Chemical Properties

• Physical State: Crystalline solid or powder
• Color & Odor: White; odorless
• Molecular Weight: 61.83 g/mol
• Melting Point: ~170.9°C (decomposes to metaboric acid)
• Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes)
• Solubility in Water: Soluble (47 g/L at 25°C)
• Solubility in Alcohol: Soluble in ethanol and glycerol
• pH (1% solution): ~5.0 (weakly acidic)
• Density: ~1.44 g/cm³
• Vapor Pressure: Negligible
• Flash Point: Non-flammable
• Viscosity: Not applicable

3. Safety & Hazard Attributes

• GHS Classification:
  • Eye Irritant (Category 2A)
  • Reproductive Toxicity (Category 2 – suspected)
• GHS Pictograms: ⚠️
• NFPA Ratings:
  • Health: 1
  • Flammability: 0
  • Reactivity: 0
• Exposure Limits:
  • OSHA PEL: Not established
  • ACGIH TLV: 2 mg/m³ (inhalable fraction)
• Incompatibilities:
  • Strong reducing agents, strong bases
• PPE:
  • Safety goggles, lab gloves, dust mask or respirator (if handling powder)

4. Storage & Handling Attributes

• Storage Conditions:
  • Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area
  • Keep containers tightly closed
• Incompatible Materials:
  • Alkalis (forms borates), reactive metals like potassium
• Shelf Life:
  • Stable under recommended conditions
• Handling Requirements:
  • Minimize dust generation
  • Avoid contact with eyes and prolonged skin exposure

5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes

• Regulatory Status:
  • Listed under REACH as a substance of very high concern (SVHC) due to reproductive toxicity
• UN Number: Not classified as dangerous for transport
• Disposal Method:
  • Dispose in accordance with local, state, and national regulations
  • Can be diluted and flushed with water (small lab quantities)

6. Environmental & Health Impact

• Ecotoxicity:
  • Harmful to aquatic life in high concentrations
• Persistence:
  • Relatively stable, may persist in soil
• Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity:
  • Not classified as carcinogenic
  • Suspected reproductive hazard in long-term/high-dose exposure
• Biodegradability: Not readily biodegradable (inorganic compound)