Chemical laboratory

Boric Acid

Versatile Chemical for Industrial and Laboratory Applications

  • CAS 10043-35-3
  • Formula H₃BO₃
  • Flash Pt N/A °C
  • Density 1.435 g/cm³

Physical & Chemical Properties

Property Value Unit
Boiling point 300°C (decomposes) °C
Flash point N/A °C
Density 1.435 g/cm³ g/cm³
Solubility 2.6 g/100 mL (0 °C); 4.9 g/100 mL (20 °C); 19.1 g/100 mL (80 °C); 27.6 g/100 mL (100 °C) -
Ph 5.1 (0.1 M solution) -
Molecular weight 61.83 g/mol g/mol
Melting point 170.9 °C °C
Vapor pressure N/A mmHg
Autoignition temp N/A -
Appearance White crystalline powder or colorless crystals -
Odor Odorless -
Vapor density N/A g/cm³

Overview

Boric acid (H₃BO₃) is a white crystalline powder and weak acid widely used across industrial, agricultural, and laboratory applications. With its unique properties as a flame retardant, antiseptic, and neutron absorber, this versatile compound serves as an essential ingredient in manufacturing processes and specialized applications. Alliance Chemical supplies high-quality boric acid that meets stringent industry standards for consistent performance in your operations.

Key Applications

  • Flame Retardant: Incorporated into textiles, plastics, and building materials to reduce flammability and meet fire safety regulations
  • Industrial Manufacturing: Used as a precursor to other boron compounds and as a pH buffer in various chemical processes
  • Pest Control: Effective insecticide for controlling ants, cockroaches, and other household pests in residential and commercial settings
  • Nuclear Industry: Functions as a neutron absorber in nuclear reactors for safety and control applications

Safety & Handling

Boric acid is considered relatively safe to handle, with no flash point or autoignition temperature. However, proper personal protective equipment including safety glasses, gloves, and dust masks should be worn to prevent inhalation or contact with eyes and skin. Ensure adequate ventilation when working with powdered forms to minimize dust exposure. While generally non-toxic, avoid ingestion and wash hands thoroughly after handling.

Storage & Shelf Life

Store boric acid in tightly sealed containers in a cool, dry location away from moisture and heat sources. The compound has excellent shelf stability when kept in proper conditions and protected from humidity. Use corrosion-resistant containers such as polyethylene or glass, as boric acid can be mildly corrosive to some metals over time. Keep away from strong bases and reactive metals to prevent unwanted chemical reactions.

Why Alliance Chemical

Alliance Chemical provides reliable supply chain solutions from our Taylor, Texas facility with same-day shipping capabilities. We offer flexible delivery options including UPS for smaller quantities, LTL for standard orders, and FTL for bulk requirements. Every shipment includes comprehensive Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and Certificates of Analysis (COA) to ensure regulatory compliance and quality assurance. Order your Boric Acid today for dependable performance in your applications.

Shipping & Availability

Parcel Shipping

UPS Ground supports pints, quarts, and most 1-gallon packages nationwide.

LTL Freight

5-gallon pails, drums, and totes move via LTL carriers such as ABF Freight, SEFL, Saia, and XPO.

Full Truckload

FTL available for palletized bulk orders. Competitive freight rates.

Local Pickup

Will-call pickup available at our Taylor, TX warehouse for Texas customers.

SDS, COA, and TDS available for every product • Most orders ship in 1-2 business days from Taylor, TX

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Available Sizes

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is boric acid (H3BO3) and what is it used for?
Boric acid (CAS 10043-35-3, formula H3BO3) is a white crystalline inorganic compound used as a laboratory reagent and in industrial processes. Common applications include glass and ceramics manufacture, metallurgy and soldering fluxes, flame retardant formulations, and as a boron source in chemical syntheses.
How should I store boric acid and what is its shelf life?
Store boric acid in a cool, dry, well‑ventilated area in tightly closed containers away from strong bases and moisture. When kept sealed and dry, typical shelf life is several years, but follow supplier guidance and retest if product has been exposed to humidity or contamination.
What safety precautions are needed when handling boric acid?
Avoid generating dust and use appropriate PPE such as gloves, eye protection, and respiratory protection if dust is likely; wash skin after contact. In case of exposure consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for first aid, spill response, and exposure limits.
How do different concentrations and grades of boric acid affect use?
Boric acid is supplied as technical, reagent (ACS), and high‑purity grades, or as aqueous solutions at various concentrations; higher purity is used for analytical and laboratory work while technical grades are common in industrial formulations. Concentration and purity determine suitability for specific applications and required handling and disposal practices.
What product documentation is available for boric acid?
Suppliers typically provide a Safety Data Sheet (SDS), Certificate of Analysis (CoA) showing purity and impurity profile, and a Technical Data Sheet (TDS) with recommended uses and handling instructions. Request the latest versions from your supplier before purchase or use.
How is boric acid shipped and what packaging options are common?
Boric acid is usually transported as a non‑liquid solid in bags, multi‑wall paper or polyethylene bags, fiber drums, or bulk containers; common pack sizes include 25 kg bags and larger bulk shipments. Shipping regulations vary by jurisdiction, so confirm classification and paperwork with the carrier and supplier.
Is boric acid compatible with common materials and equipment?
Boric acid is generally compatible with glass, ceramics, and many plastics, but it can react with strong bases and may affect some active metals; compatibility testing is recommended for proprietary materials and alloys. Avoid long‑term contact with reactive metals and check seals and gaskets for chemical resistance.
What are the key technical specifications for boric acid I should check?
Key specifications include CAS number (10043-35-3), chemical formula (H3BO3), purity (%), assay method, heavy metal/impurity limits, appearance (white crystalline powder), and packaging and moisture content. For laboratory or regulatory uses, request a Certificate of Analysis with analytical test results.
Which industries and applications commonly use boric acid?
Boric acid is used across glass and ceramics production, metallurgy and soldering, flame retardant and resin formulations, laboratory chemistry and buffering, and as a boron source in various industrial processes. It may also be used in certain agricultural, pharmaceutical‑industry processes, and specialty chemical applications subject to regulatory controls.
How can I purchase boric acid and what availability and lead times can I expect?
Boric acid is widely available from chemical distributors in multiple grades and pack sizes, with samples often available on request; lead times vary by quantity, grade and location but small to moderate orders are commonly fulfilled from stock. Contact suppliers for pricing, minimum order quantities, shipping options and any regulatory documentation required for your use.

Documentation & Downloads

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