Boracic acid, also known as boric acid, is a white crystalline substance commonly used as an antiseptic and insecticide. It is spelled /bəˈræsɪk/ in IPA phonetic transcription, indicating that it is pronounced with a short u sound in the first syllable (as in "bus"), followed by the "r" sound and a short "a" sound. The final syllable is pronounced with a soft "s" sound followed by a short "i" sound and the "k" sound. Despite the spelling difference, "boracic" and "boric" are interchangeable terms for the same substance.
Boracic acid, also known as orthoboric acid, is a chemical compound with the formula H3BO3. It is a white, crystalline solid that is soluble in water and slightly soluble in alcohol. Boracic acid is derived from the element boron and is created through the process of boron ore purification or the reaction of borax with a mineral acid.
As a weak acid, boracic acid possesses antiseptic and antibacterial properties, making it commonly used in medical and pharmaceutical applications. It is often utilized as an eye wash or as an ingredient in ointments and creams for various skin conditions. Furthermore, it is used in some medications for the treatment of certain infections or injuries. Due to its low toxicity, boracic acid is also applied as a preservative in various products, such as cosmetics, detergents, and personal care items.
In addition to its medicinal uses, boracic acid finds application in other industries. It is utilized as an insecticide, particularly for controlling pests like ants, cockroaches, and fleas. Moreover, it serves as a fluxing agent in the production of glass, ceramics, and enamel, as it helps reduce the melting temperature and improve the flow of molten materials. Boracic acid is also employed in the manufacture of flame retardants, textile fiberglass, and as a pH buffer in chemical laboratories.
Overall, boracic acid is a versatile compound with various applications, ranging from medicine and personal care products to industrial processes.
Acidum boricum.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The etymology of the word "boracic acid" can be traced back to its chemical composition. Boracic acid refers to a compound called boric acid, which is a weak acid derived from the element boron. The term "boracic" comes from the Latin word "borax" (also known as "boracius"), which means borax. Borax is a naturally occurring mineral form of boron that was historically used in various applications, including as a cleaning agent and in medicinal formulations. The name "boracic acid" simply reflects the connection to borax, from which boric acid can be obtained.